What's the latest word on satellite radio?

bongomania · #1 08-22-2009, 11:19 PM

I've been thinking about picking up a satellite radio boombox because I hate listening to commercial radio and I'm having all kinds of trouble with my iPod. But last I looked into it a year or so ago, Sirius and XM hadn't settled their legal disputes, nobody was sure what plans were worth investing in, and the audio quality was crummy anyway.

So what has changed? Is there a satellite system that sounds good, that isn't on the brink of bankruptcy or buyout, and that has fair subscription costs and policies? And if so, are there boombox or desktop stereo type players for it?

If "yes" to all that, can you recommend a specific player device you like best?

TrooperFarva · #2 08-23-2009, 12:00 AM

My newly purchased Dodge Ram came with a free year of Sirius, so I can't comment on any hardware, but I can comment on the service itself.

Audio quality is very good. It's hard for me to say if it's CD quality, because truthfully, I haven't listened to a CD in years, but it's certainly as good as the high bitrate mp3s that I listen to.

The variety of stations is nice.

One problem I have is the service cutting out. It doesn't happen too often, but if I'm driving under an overpass, or a thick area of trees, it can cut out. I've heard that XM devices are less prone to that, because XM has more ground repeaters, but I don't know if that's actually true, I've never listened to any XM devices.

Overall, I'm happy with it. Will I renew my subscription when it ends? Maybe. If I can order stations A La Carte, as the FCC is telling them to offer, then yeah, since I only really listen to 5 or 6 stations. Otherwise, I don't know, because my commute nowadays isn't very long.

jkramer5 · #3 08-23-2009, 03:09 AM

I've had Sirius for about 4 years now. I first got it for my home, and then it came factory installed in a car we bought 2 years ago. Sirius and XM merged a while back, and none of the hardware I own is capable of receiving any Xm programming, fine by me , I don't want it anyway.

We recently had to start paying a fee increase for some sort of music liscensing, and the rates have creeped up a little in the 4 years I've been a customer. Listening online used to be included, now it's an extra fee.

The stock is worth less than a buck a share, totally in the tank and the merger didn't seem to do anything to help financially or with the programming.

All that being said, it's nice to not have to hunt for a new station when driving on a trip, it's also nice to be able to take my portable anywhere I go , so I can listen to the talk shows I like.

As far as music, I haven't been impressed at all. The stuff I usually listen too is either the same stuff I'd hear on FM, or pretty stale , sans commercials. There are however plenty of commercials on the talk stations.

If it weren't for one particular show, I'd get rid of the home unit all together, the car one I'd keep.

JimmyM · #4 08-23-2009, 05:31 AM

I can't listen to regular radio since getting satellite. I mostly listen to Howard Stern on it, but occasionally I listen to other stations, and it's really nice not to listen to commercials. OTOH, I hate those antennas.

**cheezewiz** · #5 08-23-2009, 02:23 PM

I love my Sirius. Between Howard Stern, radio classics, tons of sports choices, and great music channels, I always find something interesting.

EricF · #6 08-23-2009, 02:37 PM

I've been a happy XM user for a few years, and have come to totally despise commercial radio. The range of music programming is much wider than you'll find in any FM radio market. I wouldn't say the audio quality is particularly excellent, but it's not offensive at all (IMO, YMMV).

**Eric Perry** · #7 08-23-2009, 03:20 PM

I listen to Stern pretty frequently. I cannot listen to music as I feel the sound quality is just not good. At all. Not noticeable on talk radio, but when I hear a song that I *know* should sound sonically killer, and it's just flat with no highs or lows due to over-the-top compression, I cringe.

JimmyM · #8 08-23-2009, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric618

I listen to Stern pretty frequently. I cannot listen to music as I feel the sound quality is just not good. At all. Not noticeable on talk radio, but when I hear a song that I *know* should sound sonically killer, and it's just flat with no highs or lows due to over-the-top compression, I cringe.

Ya, sometimes I think they're a little stingy with the bandwidth.

MJ5150 · #9 08-26-2009, 08:32 AM

It's not commercial free either in case maybe you thought it is.

-Mike

**Horny Toad** · #10 08-26-2009, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MJ5150

It's not commercial free either in case maybe you thought it is.

-Mike

Well, the music channels are. I've had Sirius for a few years now and love the commercial-free music. I'm also a Stern fan so that's a plus too. I never use the online option, but it's there. Overall, I'm satisfied with it.