XM or iPod

[jcdas]

Hi folks.

I need a bit of advice.
I have a new 2006 CTS with the base, non-bose, non-nav, non-XM radio.

I have a GPS which also has a built in MP3 player. I don't currently have an Apple iPod.

I want to add as a minimum, an aux audio input to the radio for my GPS/MP3.

I've seen lots of posts about adding an iPod interface or some other aux audio input method, to a CTS with XM, but no posts about adding to a non-XM radio.

How good does XM really sound? From what I've read, the sampling rate is only 64K, not as high as most MP3 players usually sample at. Does factory XM sound as good as a CD? More like FM?

Should I buy the XM package (see post from gm_geekhttp://www.cadillacforums.com/forums...xm-tuners.html

and then add an iPod interface, or 'hijack the XM audio for an MP3 input".

Or should I skip the XM route altogether, and get some kind of a direct iPod interface?

Any experience with an iConnect iPod interface in a CTS without XM, and the base radio?

I could spend my money on XM subscription, or spend my money on iTunes or CDs and buy my own music, and have an iPod to take with me elsewhere?

Appreciate any input.

Any input from Canadians as to where to get a solution from a Canadian supplier would be helpfull.

John.

[Renovatio]

IPOD all the way but I am in the same boat trying to figure it all out but XM does not sound near as good as CD

[BlueMalibu]

Quality = IPOD (MP3), Variety = XM. Nobody (XM, Sirius) offers both at this point in time.

[NFDfiremedic]

I have my ipod playing in the car at virtually all times. I have a non-nav radio so I've just been using the cassette adapter. It's good enough for me but it's not the highest sound quality option as quality is reduced to that of a cassette and there's some high pitched hiss at higher volumes.

[jcdas]

Thanks NFD.

Sounds like XM isn't the greatest, from an audio quality point of view, but OK from a variety perspective.

My 2006 CTS doesn't have a cassette, so that isn't an option for me.

Looking for feedback on a interface for a non-NAV radio.

John.