XM, Serius -- Quality Sound?

Can't commnet on XM, but I've had Sirius in my car since last March. (I'm pretty sure the sound of the two services is comparable, since the technology is similar, if not the same.) Sirius is great. You either get the signal - very clear, no static - or you don't. Drop outs are *very* infrequent, especially in larger urban areas, which are served by ground repeater stations. Regarding sound quality - far better than any AM I've ever heard - - and most, but not the best, FM.

In terms of choosing between the XM and Sirius, check out their websites and make your choice based on programming. (I chose Sirius because I listen mostly to jazz and classical, and I (slightly) preferrred what I heard when I compared the offerings of the two on-line.) At the time, XM had some commercials on its music channels and Sirius music channels were commercial-free, and this was also a factor in my decision. As of this week, however, XM has announced it too will offer commercial-free music channels.

Price-wise, Sirius is about $13/mo., while XM is only $10. Still, the price differential is insignificant, and you should make your choice based upon whose programming you prefer. Whichever service you select, I'm sure you'll love it!

Hey Rob, both are compressed audio formats so sonically they are not the "best" sound available. From my experience they are better sonically then FM and light years better then AM but not as good as CD. Both formats have there ups and downs if it were to come down to the two of them get the list of Channels they offer and get the one that has more catagories that interest you.

I have listened to XM in my son's Mazda Protege "listening room" and when simply listening casually, and with routine car background noise, better than AM by a mile, and as enjoyable as any FM in the car that I have heard. The immense variety of music choices avoids any chance of boredom, and there is a limit to how wrapped up in the audio experience one should get when driving. I did not hear any specific recording which I already knew, so there was no absolute reference comparison.
If you simply want to relax and enjoy while driving, there does not seem to be any major flaw.
The moderate cost auto sound system I listened through is not up to home stereo standards, so a "competition quality" auto system may yield a different impression.

I have used Sirius in my car for over a year now (I use the Kenwood FM Mod & controller). It is a good service, but so is XM. Look at the programming in order to make your decision (I think Sirius has more commercial free channels).

If you are upgrading and will utilize the FM Modulation option, you will not get ultra clear reception. It will be as clear as an average radio station broadcast. The best way to get clear sound is to upgrade the head unit to a satellite ready unit. I your car has stock BOSE speakers this may not be very economical (most head units will not match well with BOSE. Consult with a technician on this issue. Good luck!