Sirius sound quality

mcwilly · #1 10-13-2009, 09:42 AM

Am I the only one that thinks the sound quality stinks on Sirius? I have an '06 w/ the factory 6-disk HU. I've found several old threads on other random forums where people complain about the SQ, but I cant find anything recent. Is it just a matter of having a poor satellite reciever? Will upgrading to an aftermarket receiver/tuner improve the sound quality in my vehicle?

Zaairman · #2 10-13-2009, 06:01 PM

I don't think it sucks, but it isn't as good as CD. Mine is all hardwired to my Alpine IVA-W200

jdruzik · #3 10-13-2009, 08:20 PM

The quality of the Sirius satellite radio really depends on the other audio components... Quality speakers and amps plus a good HU will produce great sounds...

mcwilly · #4 10-14-2009, 09:28 AM

So I guess it IS just me then.

Well, I'm currently in the process of piecing together a complete sound system upgrade (subs, amps, components), so I guess I need to add an aftermarket satellite receiver to the list now as well.
The sound I'm getting now sounds more like an AM broadcast. Like a low bit-rate signal.

Krohbar · #5 10-16-2009, 04:33 PM

I think it sounds fine. I wish I had a built in receiver instead of the add on unit, I'm running RCA cables into the back of my W200, I can get my iPod louder than the Sirius. but it sounds great regardless.

XPerties · #6 10-16-2009, 05:52 PM

Mine sounds great but then again I'm running an alpine HU, component JL in the front, 6x9 in rear and 1 12inch under rear seat.

aPINCHbetter90 · #7 10-17-2009, 08:24 PM

mine sounds great as long as you hardwire into your stereo, running through any fm transmitter or tape deck is very poor quality compared to hardwire.

MTM Ford · #8 10-18-2009, 11:37 AM

Mine sounds good. Since it isn't built into my radio, I have the actual Sirius radio that plugs into the trucks radio through the auxilary plug on the radio. At higher RPM's it makes a high pitch screech. For instance, at the top of 1st gear it screeches, top of 2nd, top of 3rd, then OD you can't hear it. It's not very loud but it's still there and annoying.

josphill99 · #9 02-24-2010, 05:29 PM

I get great service on mine. I live in central indiana. I figured since it is broadcast via satelite, the sound quality would be great anywhere. Maybe you have a loose connection?

Pig9r · #10 03-02-2010, 11:35 PM

I don't think it is the best either. It becomes really noticable when a DJ comes on one of the music channels; the voices sound digitally compressed.

Paralyzer · #11 03-02-2010, 11:46 PM

i have found SQ varies station to station. For example sirius HITS 1 has pretty much CD quality sound, Faction sounds pretty good too. Octane which is what I listen to most does not sound near as good along with many others.

shotgunz · #12 03-03-2010, 06:53 AM

IMHO it sucks so bad I let it expire after the free 6 month trial...

Nemisus · #13 04-05-2010, 07:07 PM

I just added Sirius to my 2006 using the factory installed unit with factory NAV! Gotta say I'm not all the thrilled with it either! Sounds Metallic..... My XM subscriptions using the Skyfi2's sound way better and thats using FM modulation!

Zac64 · #14 04-09-2010, 06:10 PM

Satellite radio is compressed audio signal. CD,MP3 ect is not subjected to the same compression and that's why it might sound metallic or "played through a sock". Also, if you have an external HU, use a higher FM band. It will help with the audio quality.

Nemisus · #15 04-09-2010, 09:43 PM

Zac,

I'm using the factory installed Sirius... I swear it gets worse each time I listen to it! Today I went for a drive and can hear alternator whine and lots of static.

I may not make it though my first month its so bad!

Thanks for the info though

Nem