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How to Buy a Satellite Radio Home Stereo

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(1 Ratings)

There are many stereo options available to you when you decide to subscribe to satellite radio, regardless of which service provider you choose. You can buy a stereo that's setup for satellite connections, install a receiver on your home audio system or buy a whole new set of speakers for satellite radio. Some general stereo knowledge can make it easier to buy a satellite radio home stereo.

From Quick Guide: Satellite Radio
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Stereo user manual
  • Audio system amplifier
  • Stereo system

    Buy A Satellite Radio Home Stereo

  1. Step 1

    Check your stereo's user manual to find out if your stereo is factory wired for satellite radio. Some newer stereos are partnered with one of major satellite radio companies, and you'll just need an inexpensive add-on box to route the proper antenna to your stereo. Remember that you'll still need to call the service provider to sign up for a satellite radio account.

  2. Step 2

    Explore the possibilities of adding a satellite receiver to your current home audio system. For this setup to work, you'll probably need to have an amplifier that has room for another connection. You could wire a satellite receiver to your stereo system, but an amplifier makes it much easier to switch between you CD player and your radio.

  3. Step 3

    Look at getting a set of boom box speakers if you already own a portable satellite radio unit. These stereo systems have large speakers on the sides and hold the portable unit in the middle. The stereo system provides power to the portable device and should also accept an antenna connection.

  4. Step 4

    Try out different speaker brands at an audio store. Satellite radio broadcasts can be very high quality, so look for speakers that can reproduce a broad range of frequencies. If you get a speaker that can handle low frequencies (less than about 500 Hz), then you don't need to buy a subwoofer.

  5. Step 5

    Compare the max output of your radio receiver to the speakers to be sure you won't blow them out. Most radio receivers aren't loud enough to blow out home stereo systems, but if you run your receiver into an amplifier, then the signal gets much hotter.

  6. Step 6

    Budget for quality stereo cables. The best speakers mean nothing if you don't have a strong connection. Fourteen-gauge wire is ideal for most satellite radio home stereos.

Tips & Warnings
  • Be sure that the audio output of your tuner matches the input of the stereo system. For example, most portable units have a 1/8-inch output, but home radio tuners use RCA outputs.
  • The placement of your speakers can have a big effect on the overall sound of your satellite radio home stereo. Don't be afraid to experiment with different speaker angles and placements.

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