Just Ordered My Polk Reference XM Tuner!

[stevewm]

For those that don't know....

The Polk XM tuner is at heart a SkyFi 1, 2nd gerneration XP chipset. The only thing that differentiates it from a SkyFi is the fact that it has a better DAC and VGA output

The digital output comes straight from the XM receiver module with makes it identical to all the digital output mods for other 2nd generation receivers. The 2nd gen receiver module outputs at 16-bit 44.1khz, and in 16-bit, 32khz when on weather/traffic channels.

Also, all of the SkyFi codes work as well. Turn the unit off and then on the remote do this: press 2 0 7 and then the XM button. The unit should turn itself on, hit the Display button about 4 times and you should see the signal diagnostics screens. Hit Display a few more times to cycle through the rest of the screens.

The SkyFi1 remote should work with the receiver as well.

 

[jefemeister]

thanks steve. Any ideas of a good place on the web to find this kind of information on satellite radio? Compression method, radio frequencies used, modultion type, error correction, etc.

 

[raisin]

XM fan.com

 

[jefemeister]

thanks

 

[Tuberoller]

Mine came today and strangely enough, it took all night to get it activated.

I just put it in my main system to replace the modded Sky-fi and DAC I was using. I really can't make any comments on sound quality but the Polk unit does look nice. It's shorter than the pics make it look and it's much lighter than I thought it might be. The remote looks exactly the same as the Sky-fi but much larger. The very coolest feature of this unit is the TV output. I added a 13 inch LCD to my system to use with the various universal players I audition that require on-screen set-ups and it has three inputs. I connected the Polk XM receiver and the display data is nice and large and can be set to scroll nicely across the screen. I also like the station preview function that is only available on a seperate monitor.

I'll let in burn-in a bit and post some impressions regarding sound quality.

 

[CRESCENDOPOWER]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tuberoller The very coolest feature of this unit is the TV output. I added a 13 inch LCD to my system to use with the various universal players I audition that require on-screen set-ups and it has three inputs. I connected the Polk XM receiver and the display data is nice and large and can be set to scroll nicely across the screen. I also like the station preview function that is only available on a seperate monitor.

My LCD computer monitor accepts RCA Video inputs; I think I am going to be in heaven.

This is not the radio of the 80's that's for sure.

 

[Todd R]

Quote:

Originally Posted by elrod-tom Let me know what you think about it...I'm commuting 2+ hours a day, and regular AM/FM radio is getting old. I'm curious about the sound quality especially. Maybe you can bring it to the next Detroit meet?

Hey Tom,
Here is what you need...The Alpine CDA-9820XM with a buit in XM tuner.
I have this in my car and I love it. The new antenna is so small it's barely noticeable.
You can also connect the new KCA-420i*Ipod Control Interface to this unit and control your iPod right from the radio's controls. Pretty slick!

 

[Tuberoller]

I'm gonna be far too busy over the next week or two to really sit down and audition this properly so we'll have to settle for early impressions of the sound quality.

I have been using a modded Toslink-out Sky-fi unit which allows use of my Musical Fidelity A324 DAC. I really enjoy the sound but I find it to be less enjoyable than the best FM broadcasts on my best high-end tuner gear. Seperation and detail were the main things lacking in the sound and bass never really went as deep as I thought it should. Don't get me wrong,this set-up sounded very nice but it fell a bit short of what we would consider true high fidelity. The regular Ski-fi unit using the home kit fell far,far short of great sound and I really could'nt bring myself to listen to it in a full session anymore. The standard Sky-fi unit was great for backround music and non-critical listening but we're all familar with the limitations of the compression of the XM signal and this was always obvious.

I learned the sonic effects of this compression can be overcome somewhat with external DACs fed through a high-end system but full range sound was still not really possible.

The Polk Xrt-12 XM radio tuner solves many of the shortcomings of the Sky-fi in terms of asthetics and sonics. I would say this is a true cost effective alternative to the modded Sky-fi and external DAC solution. So far the Polk at least matches the Sk-Fi/DAC combo in dynamics and detail and easily surpasses it in terms of bass depth and definition. The deep bass is the very first thing you will notice but a seat in your listening chair and adequate time to listen will reveal improvements in soundstage depth and seperation. The Polk receiver is certainly an improvement over the Sky-fi/DAC combo but it is leaps and bounds beyond the standard Sky-fi/homekit combo. There is no real comparison in terms of sonics. There are astounding improvements in every single area of sound quality that I can think of. We're talking detail,seperation,definition,bass,midrange,treble, everything.

The step from the Sky-fi to the Polk is not small but the step from the Modded Sky-fi/DAC combo is not tiny either. I suspected this improvement is due to more than the DAC chipset contained in the Polk and I was correct. I decided to use the MF DAC connected to the digital outputs of the Polk receiver. I was rewarded with even nicer and much more natural midrange and imaging. XM radio sounded as close to High-end as I think it's gonna get as long as there is so much compression in the signal and I conclude the Polk XM receiver is a real Sat radio solution for the high-end audio enthusiast and I encourage anyone considering XM radio for the home to give this a try.

When I get time I'll do a more detailed review but this pretty musch sums what I hear so far. The Polk is keeper for sure.

For purposes of full disclosure I state that I hold a significant amount of XM radio stock and was an early adopter.

 

[Nightfall]

I dont own any XM stock, and was not an early adopter, but I agree completely with the above comments regarding the sound quality of the Polk XM unit. As I stated earlier in the thread, it is simply far better in every sonic context then the standard Delphi Sky-Fi unit. It is, IMO, the ONLY way to listen to XM while at home and has enhanced my enjoyment of XM greatly.
And for $299.95, with free shipping, thats my recommended Christmas gift for anyone you truly care about who loves music!


JC

 

[Todd R]

I have a Sky Fi 2 coming this week. I'm wondering if the sound quality of the version 2 is also improved over the original?
Anyone heard both?

(Already sold my version 1)

 

[stevewm]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tuberoller The Polk receiver is certainly an improvement over the Sky-fi/DAC combo but it is leaps and bounds beyond the standard Sky-fi/homekit combo.

It shouldn't even be a small step better than the SkyFi...

For those that don't know...

XM builds the entire receiver module. All Receiving, demodulation, authentication and audio decoding is handled inside this chipset. All 2nd generation receivers use the SAME EXACT receiver module.

The only thing a receiver manufactuer has to do is slap a interface ont he module, be it a microcontroller or PC interface. The receiver module outputs plain PCM audio.

The digital output on the Polk is connected to the audio output pins on the XM receiver module, just like on a modified SkyFi, Roady, PCR, etc... When comparing sound quality on all 2nd gen. digital outputs, they will be bit for bit identical between each other. If they aren't, then something is wrong.

Now on the analog side.... The SkyFi 1 uses a DAC that was meant for use in portable CD players driving cheap headphones. Its output at maximum is below what is considered line level output. The Roady, PCR, and other XM receivers do not have this problem.


Todd R: The SkyFi 2 uses the 3rd generation XM chipset. This chipset contains a revised version of XM's audio decompression codec. Most have said they have heard improvements... The Roady 2 and SkyFi 2 are both 3rd generation units.

 

[Tuberoller]

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevewm It shouldn't even be a small step better than the SkyFi... For those that don't know... XM builds the entire receiver module. All Receiving, demodulation, authentication and audio decoding is handled inside this chipset. All 2nd generation receivers use the SAME EXACT receiver module. The only thing a receiver manufactuer has to do is slap a interface ont he module, be it a microcontroller or PC interface. The receiver module outputs plain PCM audio. The digital output on the Polk is connected to the audio output pins on the XM receiver module, just like on a modified SkyFi, Roady, PCR, etc... When comparing sound quality on all 2nd gen. digital outputs, they will be bit for bit identical between each other. If they aren't, then something is wrong. Now on the analog side.... The SkyFi 1 uses a DAC that was meant for use in portable CD players driving cheap headphones. Its output at maximum is below what is considered line level output. The Roady, PCR, and other XM receivers do not have this problem. Todd R: The SkyFi 2 uses the 3rd generation XM chipset. This chipset contains a revised version of XM's audio decompression codec. Most have said they have heard improvements... The Roady 2 and SkyFi 2 are both 3rd generation units.

Steve,this all makes perfect sense to me. My modded Sky-fi is a first (or 2nd gen,I don't know,it's the original Sky-fi) model and I would have to think the Polk receiver is a 3rd gen module so sound quality using the digital outputs would likely differ somewhat.

 

[Welly Wu]

Is there any way we can get a Polk Audio representative to visit our haunt and provide us with confirmed answer on which SKYFi generation is built into the Polk Audio XM Reference unit?

PS: You guys should check out the latest edition of Sound & Vision magazine. I'm talking a 5+ page full article complete with pictures of the latest XM & Sirius Satellite Radio gear in the article. It is a great introduction to the world of satellite radio for AUDIOPHILES and videophiles alike. Please visit your local Barnes & Noble bookstore to get your copy.

Also, there is a review of the Yamaha SD-2500 universal DVD player for under $500 USD MSRP. Sound & Vision gave it an excellent review for those who wish to jump in on the hi-rez and home theater bandwagon for this highly anticipated holiday 2004 shopping season.

Those are some definite work perks.

 

[Todd R]

Got my Ski-Fi 2 this week.
Sound quality may be a bit better than the original Sky-Fi, but definitely still compressed & dull sounding.
Even still, I think the new features make it worth the upgrade.

The display is now a bright black & white, much easier to read than the old orange colored display. You can also invert the display so it will have white letters on a black background, but I didn't find that any easier to read from a distance.

There is a 30 minute memory so you can record, or pause something you were listing to.

You can have sports scores or stock quotes scroll across the bottom of the screen.

Tune select alerts you whenever your favorite artist or song is playing on any channel.

And my favorite.....
A built in FM modulator that will broadcast to any unused FM frequency! Right now I'm at the computer with XM playing over my Tivoli radio. Keeps me from firing up the big rig when I just want some background music (Channel 24 Traditional Christmas favorites right now).

On sale at Crutchfield right now.

 

[kmcdonou]

A person on XMfan.com said that he spoke with someone at Polk who confirmed the new Polk unit uses the same CODEC as the Skyfi2 unit (3rd generation).

Here is the entire review and comments on the PolkAudio XRt12