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jkcheng122

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
I thought XM was supposed to have CD quality sound. It sounds to me with the stock radio the quality is between CD and radio, slightly worse than if not equal to MP3's.

Anyone keep theirs after the trial period?
 
It won't be identical to a CD. Uncompressed audio has a bitrate of 1411.2 kilobits per second. That would be a ton of data to transmit wirelessly. Yes, they probably compress the audio and yes, you can tell sometimes. I quickly googled and found that XM is probably between 160 and 128 kbps (didn't find anything official though).
 
Yeah, XM is still a compressed signal, better than regular radio but still below 256kbs mp3s and CDs.
 
I kept it. Just got a plan (deal really cause i was about to cancel) for 20 dollars total for the standard plan for 5 months.
 
Discussion starter · #5 ·
Kind of false advertisement then. I probably will not keep it when the trial period is up.
 
You can get it for a year for $70-something (I think I paid $77), even though they want $150, I just told them I wanted it for a year for $77 and they gave it to me no questions asked. They are desperate for customers.
 
I'm REALLY satisfied with mine, (I have it installed permanently) it is very good sound quality for me,...but then again, I am not a picky person, so I don't know, maybe it's just me
 
I got a Chinese DVD/Nav unit that made my XM inoperable. Went out and got an external MiRGE unit, which is both XM and Sirius simultaneously, to replace it. It's fantastic. Any kind of music, news, talk, sports (every team in every sport except the Tennesee Titans),international broadcast, shock jocks, comedy -- you name it, it's there. I'm no audiophile, but the quality is fine as far as I'm concerned.
 
I thought XM was supposed to have CD quality sound. It sounds to me with the stock radio the quality is between CD and radio, slightly worse than if not equal to MP3's.

Anyone keep theirs after the trial period?
I've never heard XM/Sirius advertise that they offered CD quality sound. The only things I've seen is "superior digital sound quality".

I think the biggest advantage of XM is the variety and commercial free stations (some, not all)... not necessarily the quality of the sound.

I've renewed my subscription twice already, but I'd never pay the regular price. Both times I've received the $77/yr deal. If they ever refuse to give me a discounted rate, I'll cancel.

I think if you want CD-quality sound from the radio, you'd have to upgrade to HD Radio.
 
I have a pinned thread in the Audio section that tells you how to get the $77/year deal. It basicly teaches you a magic word to use, that brings XM people to their knees and brings tears and fear. "CANCEL" :thumbsup:

I have gotten the one time only $77/year deal for 5 years in a row on the 05.
:lmao:
 
Kind of false advertisement then. I probably will not keep it when the trial period is up.
It was never advertised as CD quality. It has always been advertised as "Crystal clear digital quality" radio. It is not false advertising. The sound is far superior to FM, and offers many more stations.
 
I think if you want CD-quality sound from the radio, you'd have to upgrade to HD Radio.
HD Radio is not CD quality either. It is the same as XM/Sirius, but without the subscription fees, or satellite reception. If you want CD-Quality sound, you need to buy and use CD's. Or, use an iPod and encode uncompressed, or use the Apple Lossless Encoder.
 
I've had XM going on 6 years now, in my 3rd car... I'll never get rid of it. Since I've moved to NY I've never even listened to FM radio, so I have no clue what any stations are or anything!
 
Discussion starter · #14 ·
I seem to remember them advertising cd quality sound when they first came out long ago. I guess I was wrong. I'm liking the variety of music also and will see when my trial period is out what they offer to keep me as a customer.
 
I seem to remember them advertising cd quality sound when they first came out long ago. I guess I was wrong. I'm liking the variety of music also and will see when my trial period is out what they offer to keep me as a customer.
You will receive a letter from them advising you to pick a plan before your trial expires. You will need to call them if you want to try and get some kind of deal.
 
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