Satellite Radio Questions

[giantpinkbunnyhead]

I have some questions about satellite radio (inspired by the Sirius/XM merger thread). I don't even know why I care since satellite radio isn't even available in Alaska but maybe someday... anyway...

1) How is the quality of sound from a typical satellite radio station?

2) If my receiver (Pioneer Elite 81) has a built-in XM radio input, would it ONLY take XM or could I use Sirius with it? I know in either case I need to purchase an antenna of some sort, but I'm wondering if I could purchase Sirius equipment and hook it to my receiver even though the receiver only talks of XM.

 

[BD2003]

Originally posted by: giantpinkbunnyhead
I have some questions about satellite radio (inspired by the Sirius/XM merger thread). I don't even know why I care since satellite radio isn't even available in Alaska but maybe someday... anyway...

1) How is the quality of sound from a typical satellite radio station?

2) If my receiver (Pioneer Elite 81) has a built-in XM radio input, would it ONLY take XM or could I use Sirius with it? I know in either case I need to purchase an antenna of some sort, but I'm wondering if I could purchase Sirius equipment and hook it to my receiver even though the receiver only talks of XM.

The quality of sound is comparable to a 48kbit WMA stream. Which is impressive considering that the streams are only 32kbit (HE-AAC) for the most part, but not too impressive when you realize how horrendous a 48kbit WMA steam sounds. There's less static on satellite, but FM sounds much better overall.

If your receiver only takes XM, it only takes XM.

 

[shortspanishguy]

Originally posted by: BD2003

Originally posted by: giantpinkbunnyhead
I have some questions about satellite radio (inspired by the Sirius/XM merger thread). I don't even know why I care since satellite radio isn't even available in Alaska but maybe someday... anyway...

1) How is the quality of sound from a typical satellite radio station?

2) If my receiver (Pioneer Elite 81) has a built-in XM radio input, would it ONLY take XM or could I use Sirius with it? I know in either case I need to purchase an antenna of some sort, but I'm wondering if I could purchase Sirius equipment and hook it to my receiver even though the receiver only talks of XM.

The quality of sound is comparable to a 48kbit WMA stream. Which is impressive considering that the streams are only 32kbit (HE-AAC) for the most part, but not too impressive when you realize how horrendous a 48kbit WMA steam sounds. There's less static on satellite, but FM sounds much better overall.

If your receiver only takes XM, it only takes XM.

Hmmm mine sounds much better than FM.

 

[BD2003]

Originally posted by: shortspanishguy

Originally posted by: BD2003

Originally posted by: giantpinkbunnyhead
I have some questions about satellite radio (inspired by the Sirius/XM merger thread). I don't even know why I care since satellite radio isn't even available in Alaska but maybe someday... anyway...

1) How is the quality of sound from a typical satellite radio station?

2) If my receiver (Pioneer Elite 81) has a built-in XM radio input, would it ONLY take XM or could I use Sirius with it? I know in either case I need to purchase an antenna of some sort, but I'm wondering if I could purchase Sirius equipment and hook it to my receiver even though the receiver only talks of XM.

The quality of sound is comparable to a 48kbit WMA stream. Which is impressive considering that the streams are only 32kbit (HE-AAC) for the most part, but not too impressive when you realize how horrendous a 48kbit WMA steam sounds. There's less static on satellite, but FM sounds much better overall.

If your receiver only takes XM, it only takes XM.

Hmmm mine sounds much better than FM.

Whens the last time you've listened to FM, and what type of music? Some come across better than others, but rock is absolutely horrible on satellite. Talk sounds pretty good though.

 

[SonnyDaze]

Originally posted by: giantpinkbunnyhead
I have some questions about satellite radio (inspired by the Sirius/XM merger thread). I don't even know why I care since satellite radio isn't even available in Alaska but maybe someday... anyway...

1) How is the quality of sound from a typical satellite radio station?

2) If my receiver (Pioneer Elite 81) has a built-in XM radio input, would it ONLY take XM or could I use Sirius with it? I know in either case I need to purchase an antenna of some sort, but I'm wondering if I could purchase Sirius equipment and hook it to my receiver even though the receiver only talks of XM.

1.) Personally I find the sound quality (on XM) about the same as FM, but I did adjust my equalizer to get the sound I liked. I no longer listen to FM radio.
2.) As it stands now, you'll need XM components to get XM. Can't mix and match. It's going to be interesting after this merger to see how this pans out with the different systems.

 

[49erinnc]

There are some after-market head units out there that do work with both Sirius/XM if I'm not mistaken. But if yours states that it's XM-ready then no, it will not work with Sirius.

As for sound, I find my Sirius sound to be on par with, if not better than FM. I use a Sirius-ready head unit paired with a Kenwood FM transmitter so I'm not having to listen to Sirius through certain FM channels. I find that it sounds great with absolutely zero static/interference.

I would imagine that if they merge, the signal will work with both FM/Sirius so one entire side of subscribers aren't having to go out and buy new equipment.

 

[dr150]

Sirius sound is about roughly equal to or worse to FM given ideal situtaions. Some Sirius channels get less bandwidth (talk shows) than others (music).

The sound isn't anything to write home about, but it's listenable enough.

The content and non-staticness is what you pay for....not audipohile sound.

For better sound, use an MP3 player.


............The XM/Xirius deal won't pass regulatory approval. Bank on it. Only the lawyers/bankers are making money on this bureaucratic paper filing. So you need not worry about XM/Sirius radio compatability.