I have noticed that the FM reception and sound on my 2010 Touring GLS Sport is not as good as on my old Saturn Ion. CD/MP3 sounds terrific, while the FM quality is definitely poorer than on my last (and only other) car. FM is acceptable, but just not as good as I am used to, and I am not picky. I also tend to hit a few more 'dead' spots than my last car.

A couple of questions:

1. Has anybody else noticed poorer quality sound and/or reception via FM on their ET?

2. Is there a 'higher gain' antenna that I can use to replace the current one, or some other way to improve FM reception and sound? As mentioned, the sound is awesome using CD or aux, so I am hesitant to want to replace the deck.

Thanks!

PS: Loving the ET for the most part so far. Third month now.

 

I think the antenna is good. Also by being mounted on the roof increases the range. I noticed it also had side wires to increase its electrical length.
By being on the back will give you more forward reflection.
Now, if you had a shark fin that will definitely decrease the range and reception.

 

One thing to consider is that the stereo, iPod, CD settings (bass, mid, treble) are all different for each source. You have to adjust each one separately.