Hyundai Santa Fe Audio Satellite MP3 Bluetooth

davesuv

This sounds like an easy solution to your problem and your dealer is willing to go the extra mile for your sale. You can use a cassette player that has a wall adapter plug. Just buy a small inverter to plug into your 12V outlet. This will give you 110 Volts AC (same as your house outlets). You can then plug your cassette wall plug into the inverter. No batteries required.

2007 Santa Fe AWD Limited with Premium and Touring packages
Dark Cherry Red with beige leather interior

tuggers

Not so easy to find. That was my thought too, get rid of the battery issue.

tuggers

On ebay, of course. $26 including shipping.

mpuzach

So...have you made your purchase decision on a vehicle yet?

jeffisme

I saw this post earlier and I have the same question. Has anyone added a jack to their Santa Fe? If so, I'd love to know how it was done and at what cost.

thanks,

jeff

somedai1

yeah - kind of wierd to see the mp3 written on the radio with no way to plug one in?

gizzer777

The MP3 written on the radio just means the unit will play cd's with MP3 files on them...I sure wish there was an MP3 jack though too...want to connect my Nuvi to it!

loquillo

Since the limited SF with the extra back seats has rear speakers,anyone know if behind the rear 1/4 panels are pre-wired for rear speakers? (cargo area)I have the SE. Also, anyone know the removal process for factory radio?

kjk411

Has anyone else noticed that the sound from the
XM radio is very flat? I have the treble all the
way up to 10, and yet compared to a CD or even FM
radio, the "high end" is still not there. Just
curious as to why this might be.

tidalwave

Yes, I agree with this. I was disappointed with the sound quality of XM on my Santa Fe's radio. I turned the bass down several notches and the treble up a bit when listening to XM. Of course, that made the FM and the CD portion sound odd. The sound on XM was also noticeably louder at the same setting that on any of the other settings. Whenever I switched from XM to FM or something else, I had to turn the volume down. It was annoying.

Notice that I used past tense in the above paragraph. I fixed the problem by not signing up for XM after the three month free period. To be fair, I did not do this because of the sound quality issues. I live in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and there are more radio stations than one could ever hope to listen to. Plus, I don't drive a whole lot, pretty much just back and forth to work for a total of about 35 minutes a day.

Nonetheless, I was disappointed in the strange difference in sound quality and volume between the different "parts" of the radio. Luckily, the basic AM/FM/CD portion sounds reasonably good to me.

kdahlquist

I agree. The XM radio sounds terrible in my 07 Limited. My wife has a 2005 Honda Odyssey with XM, and it sounds great in her car, so the problem must be the Santa Fe's audio system. The CD and regular FM sound fine -- it's just the XM that sounds bad.

mpuzach

Hmmm.....I disagree on this one. My Santa Fe's XM sounds pretty darned good, much better than my Corvette's. One thing I've noticed about XM is that its sound quality can vary quite a bit, depending on program material. My guess is that some of their source recordings are of pretty bad sound quality. I notice this quite a bit on channel 7 ("The 70s"). Similarly, most of what they play on Watercolors is more recently recorded and sounds great.

My Limited came with just the standard audio system. While it didn't sound bad (again, much better than my Corvette which has the optional Bose system), I wanted something with just a bit more punch. I ended up replacing the factory speakers with new Polks and adding an external amplifier. The improvement is substantial.

leed006

mpuzach:

Can you help me with the following questions? I am thinking doing what you did. Thanks.

1) Model of the Polks speakers?
2) Brand and model is the external amplifier?
3) Where in the Santa Fe did you install the amp?
4) Did you install all these by yourself?
5) On the left side of the cargo area (looking from the back), there is the space for the subwoofer for the upgraded systems. Do you know if that has been wired so that you can just add a subwoofer?

Thanks

somedai1

anyone bring the XM sound quality problem to the dealer?

mpuzach

A few answers for you, leed006:

1) Model of the Polks speakers?
In the front I went with Polk db6501 2-way component speakers with external crossovers; these replaced the 6.5" speakers in the lower front doors and the small tweeters in the upper front doors (near the mirrors). In the rear doors I went with Polk db651 6.5" speakers.

2) Brand and model is the external amplifier?
There are many to choose from. I went with an MTX 704X 4-channel amplifier. I chose it largely because of its size - it was the smallest (physically) 4-channel amp I could find, making it easy to install under the front passenger seat.

3) Where in the Santa Fe did you install the amp?
Under the front passenger seat. It's set up with all of the connections (signal inputs and speaker lines) on the back side, making them easily accessible by simply sliding the seat forward. The amp is situated as far forward as possible, thus rendering the underseat heating vent useless. The plus side to this is that the amp doesn't infringe on rear seat foot room. The front edge of the rear floor mat just rests on the ends of the cables coming out of the amp.

4) Did you install all these by yourself?
No, I had it done at Circuit City. They did a great job and the installation is very clean. The only visible evidence of it is the presence of the amplifier under the front passenger seat; even that is visible only if you slide the seat more forward than it will ever be in normal driving.

5) On the left side of the cargo area (looking from the back), there is the space for the subwoofer for the upgraded systems. Do you know if that has been wired so that you can just add a subwoofer?
I know the area you're talking about but I don't know whether not it's wired. I haven't removed the cover to find out, though I've tried. Oddly, the cover is actually screwed in from behind. I don't know how to get it off without removing all of the surrounding trim. Speaking of subwoofers, I'm not completely convinced that I won't be adding one; I'm not sure yet. The Polks and the amplifier made a huge improvement over stock but the deep. low-end punch would definitely be improved with a sub. My concern is that putting one in that would fit in the left side cubbyhole probably wouldn't provide enough of a boost to satisfy me; on the other hand, I don't want to give up the storage space that a larger sub box would require. I'm going to live with what I have now for the time being.

Hope this helps. If I can provide you with anything else, feel free to holler.

leed006

Thank you very much for the info.

shewetson

I have one of the first SUV's made for the 2007 year, and I'm having a problem where the sound, base, treble all seem to drop off when the car is moving. It changes volume/quality frequently. I've seen the service bulletin on this, but this is happening constantly and is much more than an occasional thing. It never settles and just keeps on changing all of the time. I'm meeting with Hyundai USA about this next week. Any ideas as to the cause, or solutions? Help!

jnt

Modern OEM radios have dynamic Stereo-> Mono ->Stereo changes as signal fade to reduce Stereo noise pop and crackles. In addition, they also have dynamic high audio frequency roll off in similar tough reception conditions (signal fading or just weak signal). The older radios normally favor constant audio volume and high fidelity at at expense of high noise. So it is just a trade off. The old Santa Fe radio was tuned the old way.

Normally, if you live in area with a lot of tall buildings, surrounding mountain ranges, your radio would behave like that: it operates in Low Noise mode. Same for listening to weak FM stations from >50 miles away. As soon as the signal condition improves, the radio will revert back to High Fidelity mode again. Lexus, Toyota started this trend in the 90, so everyone is following now. Try to listen to a AM station on a Lexus vehicle sometimes. Hyundai had a TSB on this issue about a year now to make people aware of this behavior. It is just a matter of tunning: some likes that and some do not.

jt

shewetson

So jt, is there anything you can do to stop this, disable it? It makes my radio worthless as it is always jumping all around? I've recently read that it's a problem with the antenna system in this car...

jnt

The switch between Stereo ==> Mono => Stereo is very subtle and different from the antenna problem. This behavior is less noticeable than antenna problem. The Low noise tuning for special FM conditions (weak signal, corrupted signal) is programmed into the radio, so there is little you can do to defeat it. If this is actually what you are hearing, one remedy is to max out the Treble setting

With antenna problem, your radio would lose too much signal and sound very noisy. That has different sound to it. One way to check if you have antenna problem is to tune some FM stations >30 miles away or AM stations >100 miles away. If you have antenna problem, then your radio can barely receive stations. A good modern radio can receive FM stations as far as 50 miles. For AM, it should be 200 miles.

There are times when people add after-market electronics in the vehicle and these things make electrical noises that jams radio. It is like having radio jammers in the car. Typical noise makers are: PC, Inverter, DVD player. Factory installed equipment has to be checked for radio compatibility.

jt

ricknj

after sleepless nights i have come to the conclusion this is the only way and clearest way to date to connect aux input or ipod music player by using FMAudiovox FM Modulator (FMM100A)(not a transmitter, runs directly to the antenna claims almost cd quality much better than all fm transmitter) available online or at circuit city ($50 less online in other stores) where they can install it too for less than $50. i have not tried it yet but it'll block fm outside interference by a power switch when turned on. also as an added info to this research you can use this item to boost the bass and protect/power the ipod using BELKIN Auto Kit for iPod w/ Dock Connector (comes in white and black). my honda accord 05 had the direct connect through the xm plug disconnected and replaced, so far LOGJAM where i bought this item for my accord dont have anything yet for Santa Fe's 07. Hope this helps Santa Fe 07 drivers like me. i asked circuit city they said they can install it for me for less than $50 cool. will update on outcome, i will also inquire with dealership if they can install it so warranty might not be affected, my plan is to have the cigarrette lighter converted to an extra 12v because im not a smoker (oncology nurse)for an extra plug the other for my tom tom xl plug then have the belkin power and amp my ipod with a short wire to connect for audio aux input with the use of the AUDIOVOX. wish me luck and i hope i get a lot of thanks for this guys !!!!!! i have an fm tranmitter from belkin as well as a backup if im in another car w/o aux in but direct connect is the best way. more power to this forum.

np01

I finally broke down and had a wired FM modulator installed yesterday in my AWD Limited with Premium package. I bought an Audiovox FM100a from Circuit City for $50, and took it to Best Buy for installation, since I had found a tech there with an advanced installation certification who was comfortable with soldering and a custom installation. The tech at Best Buy was very accomodating, and charged about $75.

Along with the modulator I brought a stereo mini jack and rocker power switch from Radio Shack, since the Audiovox comes with a bright red toggle switch that might look good on a dune buggy.

The stereo minijack is mounted in the empty space between the two heated-seat switches in the tray at the bottom of the center panel, next to the power outlet.

The rocker switch is installed at the bottom left of the dash, in an open space next to the fog light/panel dimmer/ESC buttons.

All-in-all I'm very pleased with the clean look of the installation, and the sound is very acceptable. There's only a slight high-frequency hum that I doesn't matter, and the volume/sound quality is great.

pongs

I'm planning to upgrade the factory audio of my SF. I got an AWD Limited with Touring Package (3rd row seats). I'm not looking for a window shuttering audio, that's why I'm considering a Kenwood KSC-SW1 Enclosed Subwooferbecause of it's size (16in.x 9in. x 4in.). I have some questions, hope someone can help. Thanks!

Is there any other options in the market for a compact amplified subwoofer that would fit in the SF without taking so much space?

Where is the best way to put the subwoofer and still be able to use the 3rd row seat?

rick2456

I was wondering the same thing myself. I would love to add rear speakers to my SF SE.

fseguin

let me know if Hyundai have a solution because I hown on my self and got the same problem the car dealer told me it was normal and hyundai radio is made like that because they always searching for the best reception possible.I dont think that's normal.It's so bad that I rearly listen to the radio

sduff68

Just read in my Hyundai Welcome Packet that the ealers offer a Kenwood/AM/FM/MP3 player, Kenwood IPOD Adapter, and and XM Satellite Kit.

I recently met someone who has a Kenwood stereo in his radio, he said all Hyundais sold in Texas come with the Kenwood stereo.

Has anyone purchased used this aftermarket system yet? How much does it cost?

rv65

There is an aux in jack but its a wired FM modulator that has an aux jack.

mpuzach

Just to clarify, the 2007 Santa Fe does not have an aux in jack.

bellasmom1

I just got a new 2007 Santa Fe about a month ago. Ive never had XM radio before but I was shocked at how bad it sounded. Especially on talk radio stations it sounds like and echo with a lisp (the best way I can think to describe.) Ive read the posts here about XM but what Im hearing sounds like it might be different. Took to dealer and they said that is what it is supposed to sound like. I cant believe it should sound that bad. Is this common?

drwoodr

I have not noticed this with XM. I don't listen to a lot of talk, mostly music, but the sound is great. I do listen occasionally to the comedy channels, and the sound is not always the best, but I think that is because much of the material is recorded live in comedy clubs. I have noticed that the volume is much higher on XM compared to FM or even a CD. Only complaint is the occasional signal loss in some areas (mostly due to terrain).

mpuzach

I listen to a lot of XM in my Santa Fe and the sound quality is good. I listen to music only, though, and 99% of the music is on channels that play newer recordings (as opposed to, for example, the "40s" channel). While XM sound quality isn't quite as good as that of CDs, it's still quite good (much better than it is in my Corvette). Try listening to "Watercolors" - they play recently-recorded smooth jazz. I'm betting that you'll be happy with the sound quality. If so, then you know that there's nothing wrong with your car's hardware.

jnt

Welcome to the world of compressed audio. That is how they can squeeze more channels onto limited bandwidth. Since talk is basically low in audio bandwidth, so the artifact of audio compression is more obvious: more audio distortion. It is probably similar to listening to MP3 music with low bit rate.

Satellite radio and MP3, Ipod types of music are designed for convenience. They are not for high Fidelity

jt

jimsist

have a xm radio that seems to have a mind of its own. when i programe stations into the radio it seems to move and add them when ever its wants. like if i put the 60s on 1 and thw 70s on 2 it might put the 80s on 1 then the 60s on 3 and so on.im going to hyundai tomorow and tell. them. now as far as the sound goes i use the built in equliezer to find whts best for me and its works .thanks :confuse:

i360

I don't find the sound quality that bad on the Santa Fe's radio. I listen to alot of talk radio (Opie & Anthony 202) and never had an issue with sound quality. I also listen to the hip hop stations (65,66,67 & 68) without any problems....I plan on upgrading the factory stereo to navigation and bluetooth in the future.

Also those who have XM can stream it over the internet when your not in the car. Also you can stream it over you cell phone whenever you wish. Another benefit of subscription if your not driving around all the time.

met_fan

The XM on my Santa Fe is definitely not great. It sounds very tinny and an FM station with good reception sounds far superior.

scottk2

My XM sounds great. I've listened to mostly XM since I've had the SF. It sounds just as good as my FM possibly even better, though that may be because I like it so much. Just now I went back and forth between (my old favorite FM station) and a couple XM's and it seems like the XM is even a stronger signal to me, but at least the same. All the stations; music,news,talk... sound fine.

They shouldn't sound tinny, I'd have it checked out.

jbailey1015

The XM Satellite radio in my 2007 Santa Fe did not work from the factory. When you press the XM button the display indicates "NOT READY". Though the dealer says they will fix it, they have no idea what's wrong. When asked what they will have to do to fix it, they say they'd have to remove the console, locate the XM-Direct box and go from there. They didn't even seem to know for sure where the XM-Direct box was located. Since I doubt I'd ever sign up for satellite radio, I told them to forget it. I don't want them tearing into my car unless they know for sure what they're doing.

So, can anybody on this forum tell me where the factory actually puts the XM-Direct box. Is it something easy to get to. Is it something I might be able to check myself. Thanks.

John

pelican19

They may be talking about the SDARS set top box. Satellite Digital Audio Radio Service box. Its located below the Head unit inside the center console. E mail me if you want to see a diagram.

jbailey1015

Please explain what the Head unit is. Would this mean that the whole center console would have to be removed to get to the SDARS. The center console on my vehicle has a side panel on the passenger that seems to be held on my only one screw. What do I gain access to if I remove that panel.

pelican19

When I read your post I went to the Body Electrical to see if there was any diagrams on the subject. The was one listing and I will forward it to you. The head unit is the radio itself. It looks like the SDARS sits just below it in the center. I will continue to search for additional info and update the post. While you wait I will forward you what I have in an e-mail...

jnt

Normally for most vehicles out there, the XM receiver box is just an isolated box located somewhere within the vehicle (under seat, in the trunk,...). This box is connected to your radio via wire harness that has control bus, audio, power, ground.

In the case of this Santa Fe, the radio and XM receiver box are two different boxes.

Even if your vehicle has XM receiver box, and your radio has XM control buttons, it does not mean you will be able to listen to XM programs unless you sign up for it. Unless Hyundai gives you 3 month free trial. Then you should be able to listen to it.

jt

pots

Just recently purchased the 2007 santa fe, it came with xm but i am a sirius subscriber, has anyone changed it over to sirius, is this possible?
also, can auxilary connections be added to the stock unit.
thanks

cws05

I too am a Sirius subscriber and here's what I found out from TSS-Radio:

There are connect kits that will convert XM in some vehicles, but unfortunately none currently exist for Hyundai vehicles. I think it is currently too small of a market size still (they even haven't released kits for Honda as of yet).I will be happy to let you know if we get something in that will work for you, We do have an antenna adapter for the XM antennas but it would still require you to have a dash mounted receiver. You can find the antenna adapters here: http://www.tss-radio.com/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=xmtosirius Sorry that I couldn't give you a better answer, HarperTSS-Radio

There have been some indications that Sirius and XM may merge, but nothing I've seen is "official"...anyone else here differently?

Right now, I'm holding off on my XM subscription and will wait and see.

stever

There was some grumbling in the news today about the proposed merger:

Lawmakers Warn on XM-Sirius Review

Some people over in the XM & Sirius Satellite Radio discussion may have some "inside" news.

rick2456

If so, that would be great. I hate xm and will not be renewing my subscription until/if they merge with Sirrus and follow their programing.

kay9dawg1

I am looking at a 2008 Santa Fe Limited with navigation and bluetooth. The dealer does not have one yet with the Hyundai dealer bluetooth, but says they will be getting the module in shortly and can install it. Does anyone know the capabilities of the Hyundai installed bluetooth? I do not want an after market piece. Thanks for your help.

scottk2

I searched the forum and couldn't find much info on this. My 07 Santa Fe's XM radio for the past couple months says "Not Ready"when I press the XM button and makes a beeping sound. I've paid a years subscription. Dealer said to call XM. XM says its a software issue in the radio. Has anyone had this experience and had it fixed?

Thanks.

Scott

rnewton86

Scott - am having same problem. Same responses from dealer and XM. If you've got this resolved, what did it take?

Thanks.
Rob

denvertrakker

As we all know, the most glaring omission in the 07/08 Santa Fe is the lack of an aux input to connect an MP3 or iPod to the radio. This never bothered me because playing CD's in the car was all I needed - but now I'm thinking of getting an MP3 player as an alternative to burning CD's for the car. I'd be interested to hear how those of you with players are connecting them to your Santa Fe. I've investigated several modulators, and none of them seem to get great reviews, even the expensive ones. What has your experience been? Anything decent out there for under 50 bucks? Is there a better way?

jettek2002

I agree with you regarding Hyundai's lack of an aux input. It's probably the only downside to my SF. Your only options from my searching is: use an FM transceiver. IMO, not worth it. The other is to buy a new radio with the aux input. I did that with my Ranger. It has HD,aux input, USB input & CD. There are some good ones out there. HD radio was having a promotion for a $50 rebate on selected HD radios.(HDradio.com) That's how I bought mine. Wound up paying $55 after rebate & sale price. It's nice to have several options for my music. My SF will be getting one for Christmas. Good luck.