Options for installing Satellite Radio?
01-02-2008, 04:27 AM
#25
AudiWorld Super User
A more appropriate comparison would be: how does it compare with MP3s or FM radio?
We all know that FM radio is highly compressed, and CDs sound much better than FM. We also know that MP3s are also compressed -- and the amount of compression is up to whoever ripped the MP3s, so they might sound comparable to CD or might sound inferior.
Satellite radio is also compressed -- similar to MP3 format. So of course it is not going to sound as good as an uncompressed CD! But where does it fall on the hierarchy of sound quality, compared with MP3, FM, or even cassette?
I have very little experience with satellite radio, the XM receiver in my '06 being my first foray into satellite radio. But from what I've heard from friends & colleagues, and read on AW, it seems that XM and Sirius are both compressed formats, with Sirius having a bit more compression.
How much compression are you willing to accept in exchange for the convenience and programming?
My friend with a 2006 MB C350 actually prefers to listen to FM radio instead of Sirius in his car. But he has a portable XM radio which he uses at home and in his other car (with a line input.)
-- P.
Satellite radio is also compressed -- similar to MP3 format. So of course it is not going to sound as good as an uncompressed CD! But where does it fall on the hierarchy of sound quality, compared with MP3, FM, or even cassette?
I have very little experience with satellite radio, the XM receiver in my '06 being my first foray into satellite radio. But from what I've heard from friends & colleagues, and read on AW, it seems that XM and Sirius are both compressed formats, with Sirius having a bit more compression.
How much compression are you willing to accept in exchange for the convenience and programming?
My friend with a 2006 MB C350 actually prefers to listen to FM radio instead of Sirius in his car. But he has a portable XM radio which he uses at home and in his other car (with a line input.)
-- P.
01-02-2008, 09:02 AM
#27
AudiWorld Expert
I use my XM in the A4 on a FM channel - and not with a antenna adapter
The sound is quite good and definitely better than FM radio. Only issue is travel on a 900 mile plus trip will result in having to change frequency at least several times on the way due to conflicts with local FM stations.
