BlackMax2k1

iTrader: (1)

It sounds like an mp3 to me.

Virus

iTrader: (1)

Unfortunately I had to use the FM modulator as Eclipse has problems with satellite systems and their aux inputs. While it sounds much better than fm radio, it's no where near cd quality. I would've been just as happy without it.

mb1

iTrader: (2)

I had to use the FM modulator too, and I'm pretty dissapointed with the quality. But I should be getting a new receiver soon and I'll be able to use the inputs. At first I was pretty dissapointed with the programing, but I like ch62 and thats what I listen too most of the time.

erty67

iTrader: (104)

I am happy because I love the stations, but the sound quality I am using the FM mos also and the midbass freqs seem to be very strong. The voices seem to overpower the rest of the sounds. I like the selection, but the sound Q could be better. I'm hoping that when I can eliminate the FM mod, it will be better.

lunchbox

iTrader: (4)

I don't see the point in paying for radio. Thats just me though.
Kevin.

mzmtg

iTrader: (11)

I'm happy with the programming, but not he SQ.

Using a Sirius-ready headunit solves this problem though. I installed Sirius in my friend's SE-R and it sounds great.

http://www.auite.com/specv/sirius

Sirius1

We offer digital sound quality, not CD sound quality. The high and low frequencies should be much better than FM and, even if you are using the FM modulator, you should be able to notice the icreased frequency range. To acheive the best SQ you need to use line level or direct connect.

The SQ has improved since our launch, and will continue to improve over time, as we are always improving our system. I hope everyone is enjoying it!

Virus

iTrader: (1)

It definately sounds bettern than FM radio and I'm sure it sounds just below CD quality using the preouts. Unfortunately, I'm buying a house soon and won't be able to play around with a new HU. It's a shame that Alpine chose sides with XM instead of offering both.

Confused

iTrader: (4)

so far so good with direct hookup..

btw, besides the first nite, i've had very little interference with the antenna on the back deck (inside) while driving through manhattan!

mwenn1

I have XM and love it. I chose XM because it's a few bones cheaper per month and it has virtually the same channels. I didn't think it would be that much better but I don't even listen to regular radio anymore.

chinaonnitrous1

iTrader: (12)

Sorry...ive installed over 20 sirius..and over 20 xm's. XM's have the superior sound quality so far. Ive had several complaints of the flat, dead sounding sirius. Mainly wiht kenwood direct AND modulated units. Whats the deal? Compared a stock 2k2 maxima XM modulated, and a stock 1999 pathfinder sirius Direct, and XM sounded way better. Feel free to PM me..or something.

Sirius1

I find that hard to believe. I deal with more car stereo shops than you can imagine and I never hear that XM's sound quality is better. And on top of that, I always hear how much better our programming is.

As far as being cheaper, XM has commercials....we dont...Period.
They receive money from advertisers to cover their costs.

Pearl96Max

iTrader: (151)

Im guessing that you dont have cable tv at home either huh?


--Don

mzmtg

iTrader: (11)

Actually, I have two issues with Sirius programming. Not enough variety on The Vortex and playing edited songs on US-1. I thought it was supposed to be Censorship_OFF????

willis

iTrader: (2)

still, even with those issues, i still haven't turned on fm in two weeks.. so overall, good buy

oh yeah.. and @ don's post before this

Gramdacious

iTrader: (1)

I wouldn't hook it up with a modulator. I have a Kenwood reciever and ther sound quality is awesome. I mounted the antenna on the roof and have had no problems, even on trips to Tahoe through the mountains. What's the difference between $10/month and $13/month? I'll be damned if I can't come up with $13 a month. Less than a CD. No complaints here, especially when I got the hardware for FREE.

BlackMax2k1

iTrader: (1)

Anybody listen to Octane? I think the SQ is terrible on that station compared to US-1 or Big 80's.

erty67

iTrader: (104)

sounds just as good to me

kingrye

how come about 1 in 3 hip hop songs is clean(language)?

mzmtg

iTrader: (11)

I've noticed that as well. The SQ on Hard Attack is even down a notch or two below Octane

BlackMax2k1

iTrader: (1)

It wouldn't have anything to do with antenna placement right?

mzmtg

iTrader: (11)

No, it's a byproduct of their "Statistical Multiplexing" technology. Not every channel is alocated the same amount of bandwidth.

Virus

iTrader: (1)

US-1 definately has the best sound quality.

nupe500

iTrader: (13)

Stat Mux-ing is a tricking thing...you're absolutely right but the bandwidth allocation is based on a need basis, so unless a channel needs a certain about of BW for content, it sucks...also depends whose stat mux their using...some just suck big *****.

mzmtg

iTrader: (11)

Yet, it has the crappiest music

BlackMax2k1

iTrader: (1)

And no variety!

Menace

The SQ SUCKS! I don't want to buy a kenwood deck.

Sirius guy you guys need to come out with adapters that work with the CD changer control's for other decks. I'd rather cancel my service then replace my deck.

With out direct input it's definately not worth it, I get all kinds of static and poor frequency range. I'm glad I got the unit for free...

Gramdacious

iTrader: (1)

I think the artists are responsible for getting their songs to Sirius DJ's, and some probably don't even think about and hand them regular radio cuts. That's my guess.

Sirius1

DId you install it yourself? You shouldnt get any static at all. If you are, your problems arent Sirius. They are install related or your tuner on your radio is not tuning properly. What kind of radio do you have? There are adaptors that will give you line level inputs

Sirius1

We do use Statistical Multiplexing, but no additional bandwidth is given to US-1 over Octane, or any other stream for that matter. If the sound quality is lacking on certain streams it is most likely the recording, should not be bandwidth related.

mzmtg

iTrader: (11)

I have a hard time believing that. Hard Attack sounds noticeably worse than US-1 all the time. And all the talk streams have seriously lower quality than any music stream.

nupe500

iTrader: (13)

SIR!...the whole purpose of Statistical Mux-ing is not to waste BW by simply allocating each channel guarranteed BW, but rather vary the bandwidth based on need. I work with stat muxes on a daily basis (engineer for cable company-the largest in the world), and that is what they are designed to do. What kind of stat mux do you use? brand? and how much BW are you assigning per channel?

(looking to enlighten myself--that is if I'm wrong, prolly not )
thanx

Sirius1

We use the same form of Statistical Multiplexing that Direct TV uses. I am not an engineer, so I dont know all of the details. But I am told that bandwidth is allocated on a "need" basis. If US-1 is playing a song that requires more bandwidth, it will use it for that given second, but the stream is not allocated a certain amount. The same holds true for every other stream.

BlackMax2k1

iTrader: (1)

So every recording on Octane is poor. I don't think so.

Virus

iTrader: (1)

Personally I like US-1 and channel 66 the best, but I'm finding it hard to turn off the Fox New Channel. Howard Stern, who is he? I haven't listened to him since I installed sirius.

You should have absolutely no static at all! If you do, it's definately installed incorrectly.

TRuFLiPpeR

iTrader: (4)

i'm very happy with sirius....i love the programming. i don't use an fm modulator, jus' a direct connect and it does sound great, but not cd quality. however, the only issue i have is that they don't offer service in hawaii (on any of the islands), nor are they giving me a time when they will offer service. if anyone is from hawaii, they know that the radio stations aren't that great, all two of 'em (yes, there are more, but the static is ridiculous and the variety, well, what variety)! i'm tryin' to get people together to either come up with an idea of how to petition for service there or something of that sort. if anybody has any ideas, please post them here! thanks! hope this helps!

n1cK!



ps-maybe sirius1 could comment on the service in hawaii...

Sirius1

Our 3 satellites travel in figure 8's over America. Their range covers about 150 miles around the perimeter of the continental US. I dont think that it would be possible. I also dont know if there are any plans to offer it in Hawaii, but it sounds like it would be well received it it was available. I will send an email to one of our engineers and try to get a firm answer.

Mike92GXE

iTrader: (2)

I'm satisfied with the deal we received. I don't get ANY good radio stations here at school so this deal was great for me. I live on campus so i can't download the music i want because of firewalls. I had no other options until free equipment came along. I would not have paid for the equipment but for the deal we received i am satisfied. And a lot of us appreciate you being on here Sirius1, I can't think of another company that has a rep to answer questions on the board consistently. Thanks and Do you have any units left?

Sirius1

Thanks for the compliment! I have a 97 SE and have been visiting the site for several years and when I was given the units to give away, I knew that all the guys on the site would be in to it since we are all into our cars!

As for more units, I do have some Panasonic units available.

Gramdacious

iTrader: (1)

Hey thanks for the info and hook-up. I am very pleased with the setup, have had no problems, and oh yeah...........ALL OF THE EQUIPMENT WAS FREE....there isn't too much room to bi*ch about minor details. I didn't exactly invest much. Keep on converting them (the non-sirius believers) like a christian minister in Africa.