Car Stereos: satellite radio, pioneer head units, pioneer head unit

Question
can u hook up a satelite radio to a pioneer head unit using the preamp outputs.

Answer
Hi Chris,

The pre-amp outputs are only outputs--not inputs.  You can't connect a satellite radio to a head unit through these jacks.

To connect a satellite radio or another audio device, your head unit needs an auxiliary input.  Almost all new Pioneer head units have this feature, either as a front or rear-mounted 3.5mm stereo mini jack.  If you have an older unit that's not equipped with an auxiliary input, you may still be able to add one if it's a P-bus head unit.  You can tell this by the letter "P" in the head unit's model number: ie, DEH-P3500.  Some (though not all) P-bus head units can convert the P-bus plug to an auxiliary input with an optional accessory.

If you don't have the auxiliary input or the P-bus input capability, then your best option is an FM-direct adapter made for your satellite radio unit.  You can find these for either XM or Sirius radio, for about $20-30, and they work quite well.

Hope this helps!

Brian