Sirius or XM

[BrettCB]

This really doesn't pertain to computers, but I've been stressed over making the choice between XM Satellite Radio and Sirius Satellite Radio.

I was really set on Sirius because of it's sports package and better selection of music with livelier DJ's. However, when I went to look for hardware to support the subscription I was left a little disappointed. The XM hardware appears to be leaps and bounds ahead of the Sirius stuff. The Delphi models of components seem to have higher rated components and better reviews.

For Sirius I'm looking at the Sirius Satellite Radio Sportster
Siriu Satellite Radio Sportster

For XM I'm looking at the Roady 2
XM Satellite Roady 2

The real beef I have with the Sirius model is the negative reviews when it comes to reception. It seems that people are having a 50/50 chance of getting good reception or not. This worries me a little. Hopefully you guys can make me realize a clear cut choice.

Thanks,

Brett

 

[Modder N Art]

I've been following these companies a bit. XM is a better funded company, and is far in the lead in the number of subscribers. This translates to XM being much more likely to survive in the long run.

Things have changed a bit recently, with respected industry vet Mel Karmazin joining Sirius, and they're sure to get some kind of subscriber boost from Howard Stern, but they're still coming from way behind.

Lisa

 

[SLCentral]

Not too sure about the specific players, but I do agree with you that Sirius has the better selection of programs, and that should be a huge influence on your purchase, of course. Is there any way you can test it out before you buy, and see how the signal is around you? Perhaps you can buy it, and if it doesn't work well, return it?

 

[BrettCB]

Yah, I've looked into that. However, to test the signal you have to subscribe to the service. Then, if you were not able to get a good signal you would have to call and cancel your subscription through Sirius which means a $75 cancellation fee. I'm in Michigan by the way, so if any of you have experience with Sirius in the Michigan area let me know.

 

[GreenGhost]

I recently went with the Clarion receiver for Sirius. Smaller than the Sportster, but bigger than the Roady. The cradle & mount make the whole thing too big to fit well in any average car. The promotion of free receiver w/ 1-year subscription is what made me finally take the plunge. If I'm not happy, I simply don't renew at the end of the year. I use it mostly on the road, so I don't have any reception problems, even with the antenna inside the car.

 

[jlarsson]

I personally have the Roady2 ... its easy to install in the car, and I also have a home kit for it. The build quality is excellent, and its easy to transport between car and home. Reception is great. Just to give you some idea of where I drive, I live in New Hampshire but attend school in upstate New York (near the Canadian border). Despite XMbeing only available to people in the 48 states, I've heard of people in Canada get excellent reception so I don't think Michigan would be an issue.

I can't comment on Sirius at all, but I can try to answer any questions you might have about XM. Which ever one you choose, you probably will never go back to commercial radio again!

Edit: Depending on what sports you like listening to, XM will offer every MLB game next year. They also have college football. I'm a huge baseball (MLB) and football (NFL) fan, but I don't think I can listen to football on the radio.

 

[sfgtwsac]

You might want to check out AVS Forum. They have a dedicated forum on XM and Sirius. I suspect someone there will have specific answers to questions about the services and reception in Michigan.