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The output through the FM modulator is way too weak. Unfortunately, the car manufacturer did not offer XM until the 2009 models. This was installed by the dealer when I bought the car as I would not have a car without XM. Volume is barely adequate when turned up to the max. Generally the unit works well and reception is good except occasionally in the mountains. However, there is one big problem with the unit. Then, if you switch to CD without adjusting the volume there is a huge blast. It is better than no XM but not really a quality product.
I had my commander installed professionally at Curcuit City. I am going to attempt to return it. However I lost reception of some of my favorite AM and FM stations. I had the older model Commander and the module was more powerful, per Curcuit City, and I did not have this problem. It is going to cost me additional money for installation approximatelty $100.00. I am very disappointed with this commander.
I had to use the modulator sysem, which turned out to be just fine also. I installed this unit in a 2001 Porsche Cabriolet. I wish it had three lines on the head unit so it could show Artist, Song and Channel (station). Unfortunately, the head unit was DOA, but Audiovox replaced it w/o incident. I have the antenna mounted on my dash and it works fine. all at the same time. Other than that, no complaints.
However, I may purchase the direct connect feed and use the RCA jacks off the Trek main module (which you can hide away anywhere to connect all the wires). Depending on your application, the Trek XM Commander is a slick way to do a custom install of an XM head unit. Like I said, it's a very clean and professional looking application. I previously had the XM Roady 2 and didn't like all the wires hanging out the side or the FM modulation mode - didn't seem as clear as the cassette input - which was even more unsightly. The XM Commander in my current vehicle - Acura MDX looks like a factory install and the direct connect into the FM antenna line produces very clean sound. Oh, and the remote is great too. Especially for scanning XM or selecting stations without taking your eyes off the road.
The sleekness of the unit also makes it look more like a factory install, and it's less likely to get in the way of any knobs or controls in the vehicle. I own two of the XM Commanders, and I couldn't be happier. It's also hard wired, which is nice since the wire can be hidden during install giving it a clean look to your interior. They are the size of the actual remote (appx. 1.5" x 4"), so they are very compact and will fit in places the other XM units won't. On the record, I also own the XM unit that fits in the XM boombox, and the Commander is easily the best looking and easiest to use. However it's up to your personal tastes and style, although you won't go wrong with this purchase.
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