XM Roady2 installation w/ PIE -> anyone using line level amp?
 

I installed my XM Roady2 with my PIE aux-in unit and it's been working, but the volume is too low. I have to crank it to max and I still can't hear some channels with highway noise.

Another member recommended this line level amplfier:

Line_Level_Amp


I installed it yesterday, but it didn't do much for overall volume and the delicate channel adjustment screw actually broke off. I uninstalled it and will be sending it back.

Anyone successfully using a different line level amp with their Roady2 / PIE unit?

Thanks!
Steve

I think it was me who send you to said link.
Just so you now the Delhi2 or AudiVox unit has a much higher output than the Roady.
(The AudioVox unit has the loudest output and seperate Bass & Treble)
Maybe versus spending money on output converters, a new XM unit?
Both have a lot more features then the Roady and work great at home to!

Thanks modena.... Good to know. If I can't solve this with a line amp I may have to swap out the Roady2.

I assume you have adjusted the sound level on the roady?

Yeah, I have - anything above a 5 distorts the sound really bad.

You won't have distortion on the Delphi2 or AudioVox,
For comparison I hooked up my old Delphi1 (the red display one)
And the sound was much less clear and loud, appears they are using a new chipset in their newest models.

Bass & audio output are higer on the newest models....

Which Delphi unit are you referring to? The Roady 2 or the SkyFi 2? Also which Audiovox unit do you mean?

I just bought a Roady 2 and plan on hooking it up this week. If there's a better unit, I'd like to know.

Thanks!

I just received my LD1. I bought it to equalize the levels between my external MP3 player and the RX-8 head unit. You shouldn't expect to see a gain in overall system volume from and in-line amp. You would need an amp after the head unit for that. The power output of the head unit is fixed no matter how much signal you feed into it.

Sending an overly high level into the head unit with an in line amp will result in the head unit reaching its max power out at a low volume setting and possibly resulting in distortion.

An in line amp should be used primarily to boost the level of an audio input so it is equalized with the levels of the other input(s). This has a side benefit of maximizing the useful range of your head unit volume control. Just my 2 cents.

I have the Roady2 with PIE adapter going to the OEM stereo (non-Bose). The channels sound clear and the level is actually too high - for the same sound output I get using 12 on the HU with radio or CDs, I have to go down to 8 when using the XM unit. So I cut the output on the Roady2 a little.... Strange you don't have enough volume with the identical setup. Maybe you have the Bose system?

AudioVox RX-9 or Delphi 2 are the best at this time
My opinion.
(Don’t have a Roady sins they don't have cradles)

Forgot, I have the Bose

I would doubt the Bose system would have anything to do with it, since the line level amp adds gain on the input side. And with up to 18db gain at over 3V output, you should be able to drive the head unit pretty well at the levels you describe - Bose or non-Bose. I think he's doing the right thing by sending back the unit, especially since the level adjust screw broke.

I get it. When you say Delphi 2, you mean the SkyFi 2 from Delphi.

Thanks for the info.

Yeah, sorry about that...
I must say the AudioVox looks better in or on the interior of the RX-8.
I picked mine up from CC for 95$ +tax that included the car kit.