2011 F150 w/SYNC.

My XLT didn't come with sat. radio so I bought the XM Snap set up.

Super easy install and the clarity through the AUX port is awesome.

I've noticed, however, that I have to crank up the volume a lot higher with the sat. radio than with either a CD or normal FM radio. Also, with the sat. radio, the songs don't have a lot of bass. Is this due to the fact that I'm using the AUX feature or is there some adjustment I can make?

BTW, 2500 miles on my 5.0 and I'm loving this truck. Averaging 19 MPG mixed HWY/Mountains.

 

Wish I could help with this one...I have the exact same setup/issue. I have a 2011 XLT with SYNC---I had a 2010 STX Sync and the problem was a lot worse with the 2010. I almost had to turn the radio up all the way to hear the XM snap through the aux input. With my 2011 I have to turn the base all the way up and the volume half-way. I am not sure if it is the XM radio or of it is the AUX. I am thinking its the AUX. I also use my smartphone to stream radio stations through the blue-tooth function through SYNC and doing this it sounds amazing and I don't have to have the radio turned half-way up. Too bad the XM snap didn't have a blue-tooth option-that would fix having wires/volume/base issues. On a side note I have an XM account and my truck came with a Sirius account---the crazies at Sirius XM said I cannot transfer accounts which is just dumb...so I have to keep my XM snap and run an external setup...wish I could just use the built in option, but until the crazies at Sirius XM figure out their own equipment I am stuck with having the external snap. Great question!

 

Check the volume control on the satelite unit, might also be some audio controls on the unit. I'm not familiar with the XM unit, but I have a Sirius Stilleto II and there are audio options there. It would also help to invest in a good audio cord. A $6 model will work, but if you want the best sound quality do a little digging and spend a few bucks on a Monster or Scosche cable.

 

I run a Siruis Stilleto II that lets you record songs and also doubles as a portible satelite/MP3 player so when my 6 month trial on the Ford factory installed radio is up I'll probably just keep using my external set up. You should be able to do a decent job of "hardwiring" it for a more permanent, hidden look, and I know with my old car, I made use of the factory installed satelite antenna; should be able to do this with the F150. The factory installed antenna has the same plug as the one that comes with the XM or Sirius car-kit.

Funny you mention your Sirius and XM accounts can't be merged. Stern gripes about this every once in a while; they're one big company for somethings, but for OTHER things, like merging your accounts, or paying him, they're still 2 seperate companies, haha.