NavyBlue2

Is it just me, or does the XM radio sound quality (esp the music stations) is incredibly horrible?
My wife keeps renewing XM subscriptions b/c she loves the talk radio stations & don't care about the audio quality.
I listen 99% music, so compared to my music on USB & HD FM radio, the XM music stations' sounds very compressed & tinny.
I refuse to renew & pay for it on any of mine & the kids' vehicles.

your thoughts?

Kracka

XM audio quality is not as good as FM radio, CD's, etc. I've never been all that impressed with Bose stereos either.

C5 XTC

Cannot speak for the C7, mine arrives next week. But XM quality in my Cadillac XTS and even my 2015 Suburban is quite good.

Woodson

It is very compressed. It's free and I don't listen to it.

NavyBlue2

It's not "free" after the first year...

Slappy3243

I didn't renew mine XM. I like HD radio much better and it really helps the stereo come alive. I don't think the 2015 cars have the HD option anymore though.

Woodson

Yeah I know. I meant it's free now and I don't use it. Can't imagine why I'd pay for it when the free period is over.

indy 28

I have had XM on many GM cars since 2004. I agree about the poor fidelity but continue to subscribe, but only when I don't pay over about $6/mo. I like it for the news, talk, sports and especially the ability to have radio reception and selection anywhere in the immense and boundless space of Texas.

FPS Hungary

XM radio sounds worse than a highly compressed MP3 file you download from the internet.

Jakeross

I noticed the low sound quality when I started using Pandora.

Slappy3243

Also, please note that they will continually attempt to call you when you don't renew, even when you tell them to stop. I am currently dealing with this now. For this reason alone, I will not subscribe again.

BLUE1972

I have a $100 Pioneer CD player and 4 Pioneer speakers at $60 a pair and love the sound and clarity. Since most of the car manufacturers have decided that the CD is dead maybe we should inform them of what we want.
Free downloads will be like $7.00 cable, think about it.
When I get my C7 next summer my local radio shop will be busy.

As for the 1985 C4 Bois I replaced it with a Pioneer also and the sound is fantastic. Same cost $220.00 + $20 for wire. no more buzz

b4i4getit

SAT radio and in dash NAV systems will be obsolete in a few years.

runutzzzzz

It's not bad. Get LT's and you won't notice the compression that much.

On Talk Radio it's horrible. It also depends on the station. Some stations have a lot more compression than others. The "HITS" stations have less than lets say the country stations.

Slappy3243

Just rip your CDs uncompressed to a thumb drive

Steve Garrett

This right here.....pick your poison, compressed MP3's or Sirius/XM.

Red C8 of Jax

Fastdart69

Listening to Steely Dan on a Technics SL1210M5G turntable through Parasound JC2 Pre-amplifier, a pair of McIntosh MC501 amps and Legacy Focus SE speakers - doesn't get much better than that. XM does serve a purpose though. It's nice not to have to find stations when traveling across the Country but it's not even close to serious audiophile; neither is Bose with the possible exception of the original 901's.

mjross

Depends on the XM station. Some are better than others.

I do not expect to get the same quality as the sound I get in my recording studio. To get that sound it cost more than my Vette. For the dollars invested, it's not too bad.

Peace

Jbal

Feel XM is fine, however, HD on my '14 is just Fantastic!!