Clarion SIRPNP Sirius Satellite Radio: opinions?
 

Here's the problem: Sirius Satellite radio looks like a better deal for me, but the tuners seem clunky compared to those for XM (Delphi is nice and small).

Now, there is a new Sirius unit (Clarion SIRPNP) that closely resembles the Delphi, but it isn't available in all the usual outlets where I can play with it (Circuit City, etc.)

Has anyone out there bought one? How well does the FM Modulation unit seem to work (compared to inserting a cassette, which just adds more wires)?

The car base-unit looks pretty large.. but perhaps I could mount it on the side of the console -like in the one in the other post with the great pictures. (W124, 300D).

SAds for the other Sirius units available, the Audiovox is, well, Audiovox -and is a brick; the JVC I can't see anywhere.

How many potential Sirius subscribers go with XM instead because the tuners for XM are all over the place? Wake up Sirius! Push (pay?) equipment manufacturers to design a Sirius unit that I can put in my Benz! And no, I don't need a whole new head unit -just the add-on.

Great unit
 

I finally bought the Clarion SIRPNP Sirius receiver. The unit and car-install kit fits well into my 91 300D, is very easy to intall/remove, and works very well. It also looks OK and doesn't take up much room sitting in the console tray. Reception was good on a 10 day trip in the Smokie Mtn National Park; there were a few dropouts in the mountains, but only for a couple of seconds.
Sirius channels provide a very satisfying mix ( a good thing, since my girlfriend and I don't always agree about music...).

In all, worth every penny! ($150 for receiver and car cradle, $10 per month for 15 months subscription).

I used to listen to "pirate radio" in London in 1967 (broadcast from ships anchored off the coast of England) and since then, not much has been that good in the way of introducing me to new music. I had one too many NPR fundraiser weeks, and BBC World service on SW has declined in Noth America.

Satellite radio reminds me of what radio is all about.

Goodbye Clearchannel dreck...