XM or Sirius


I want satellite radio, but which sounds better? The more I read, the more it seems 50/50, yet some are so convinced. I wish Sirius had an analog digital out unit like the Polk, so I can run the signal through a dac. And I do like the idea of $500 lifetime with Sirius. Please advise.
ulph
In two of my cars, one has XM and the other Sirius integrated into the sound systems. To me the audio quality seem the same. I much prefer the Sirius programming (jazz, sport, rock) although the XM programming also pretty good. My son put an after-market add-on XM unit in his car and the sound quality was not good with spotty coverage. In my experience, it seems that the add-on units are not as good as the integrated units.

Good luck,

Reg
Same as what's already been said. I have Sirius in my car, but have had a large number of rental cars which typically give you XM. IMO XM has better jazz and blues stations, with deeper playlists than Sirius. XM also has deeper punk and alt playlists (again IMO). Sirius may have the edge on pure Rock 'n' Roll. Classical is a toss up so far. They both sound like cr@p compared to a high end system and source (I sometimes bring my radio into the house and hook it into my system).
Actually I am quite pleased with the sound quality of XM service using a Polk tuner through a Benchmark DAC. Granted it is not nor do I think ever could be "CD quality" as claimed, but some formats (Jazz, Classical, Instrumental) sound pretty close. Format wise I think both are about the same from a music standpoint, X the differences like Stern or XM's version of anoying talk show hosts. I chose XM for home use due to the inclusion in my GM vehicle as I already had an account, and the fact that Polk was comming out with a home tuner with analog output to a DAC. Not sure if anyone has a similar tuner available for Sirius but I am sure if not they will soon.
I agree also with Mike above, sat is the way to go in cars if you don't mind non-audiophile sound. And for rg, tell your son to use the home antennae on his dash and use the mobile antennae at home, works MUCH better.
MMM
I have had both services and IMO Sirius is better because I mostly listen in a car or party situation, and Sirius plays more popular tracks.....for being in a car or at a party that is more pleasing, I also like Sirius more because of the DJ and music news, to me XM is more like Musac......sorta lifeless and they do dig alot deeper into music as far as unknown tracks, so if you like more variaty XM will work for you, but Sirius is more entertaining and plays more popular songs, as far as Audiophile quality it isnt gonna happen.....I much prefer the Music Choice channels on my TW cable for at home sound quality. So in short I think you should choose based on programming not quality, and I hope some info I gave helps.