Sirius Radio Quality, Seriously?

[FordOD]

I have the factory nav unit in my 2012 F250 and generally listen to Sirius radio. I used to have a 2004 f250 that I installed XM radio in with a Pioneer AVIC nav head unit and it had excellent sound quality. After that I had a gmc sierra with factory xm and it too had very good quality, although not as good as the Pioneer setup.

Since I have only had my truck 3 weeks, I find myself listening to the Sirius stations less and less because the quality is horrible compared to FM HD stations and CD/Jukebox. Also, much less quality than what I had in my last 2 trucks. I used to listen to satellite 95% of the time and almost can't stand it now. Is this because of a poor quality antenna? Any ideas? Do y'all notice the same thing?

Thanks,
Nathan

[PSUPowerstroke]

I think that Sirius sound great in my truck. I have had either Sirius or XM for the last 12 years. I do think the volume is a little low as compared to radio but the sound quality is good. But I harley ever listen to the radio to compare it to.

[grlant1221]

Been lurking for a week or so, so I will guess I will make my first post on a topic that interests me.

Most channels on Sirius are broadcast in 30 kbps or under. This is terrible quality and is less quality than regular FM radio. To compare, CD quality sound is somewhere around 320 kpbs.

I'm guessing you are feeling that your new truck is lesser quality for Sirius than your other two because now you are getting HD radio and the difference between HD and Sirius is even greater, causing a larger disperity in the quality of the two sources.

I've never owned Sirius, but I travel frequently for business and all the rental cars have it. I would never buy Sirius because of the low broadcast bit rates. FM radio is much better quality, though the choices in channels and content is limited.

Just my two cents.

[FordOD]

Originally Posted by grlant1221

Been lurking for a week or so, so I will guess I will make my first post on a topic that interests me.

Most channels on Sirius are broadcast in 30 kbps or under. This is terrible quality and is less quality than regular FM radio. To compare, CD quality sound is somewhere around 320 kpbs.

I'm guessing you are feeling that your new truck is lesser quality for Sirius than your other two because now you are getting HD radio and the difference between HD and Sirius is even greater, causing a larger disperity in the quality of the two sources.

I've never owned Sirius, but I travel frequently for business and all the rental cars have it. I would never buy Sirius because of the low broadcast bit rates. FM radio is much better quality, though the choices in channels and content is limited.

Just my two cents.

Thank you for the feedback! I can definitely tell the difference, and I plan on expiring my free 6mo service when it is up.

[TheBoss]

I've had Sirius in my dodge with an aftermarket headunit and it sounded 10x better than the Sirius in my truck. I think it's just a crappy stereo. I'm gonna upgrade to an alpine navigation head unit next month and hopefully that'll make it sound better.

[The Bald Guy]

Yes I agree, I'm real disappointed with the sound quality on the Sirius radio. It sounds muddled and in a tunnel. The regular radio has better quality and sound. 2012 Crew Cab super duty.

[Grunnsetning]

Mine sounds fine.

[fosterelli]

My truck has the worst sounding OEM stereo system I've owned in many years. We don't use aftermarket stereo equipment in my family's vehicles...but this is the first one I've considered doing something about. We've had Sirius/XM forever...never had sound issues. Something about this Ford highlights the problems w/ the quality. However, even terrestrial radio sounds like crap...and direct from my iPhone to the radio sounds like crap...so I know it's the Ford and not just the Sirius/XM letting me down!