Sirius or XM, can't decide

Collapse

Recommended Videos

Collapse
X
 
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts
  • Bruins
    .
    • Mar 2004
    • 6433

    #1

    Sirius or XM, can't decide

    I'm thinking about making the jump to satellite radio, but I can't decide if I should go with Sirius or XM. I don't listen to much talk shows (Stern, O&A, etc) and the music selection is pretty much the same, right?

    I'm leaning towards Sirius because they have soccer, but the biggest decider for me is the hardware. I want to be able to listen in my car, and maybe in the house. Are there radios that I can bring back and forth from the car to the house?

    What do you guys suggest?

    Also, the merger. Is this happening anytime soon? Should I just wait until after that happens to jump in?
  • nyisles16
    All Star
    • Apr 2003
    • 8317

    #2
    Re: Sirius or XM, can't decide

    Had both - ditched Sirius later on. XM because I am an O & A fan, a baseball fan, hockey fan, and have some better sports talk stations. Besides, I had really no use for the "All-Elvis" channel

    The issue with Sirius for me was getting the home signal. It would disappear for some hours at night. Didn't feel like paying for "interrupted service". No issues at all with XM, and for $300, I got a 3-in-one unit that still runs well. Of course Sirius has these radios now, but their lack of repeaters in areas turns me off..


    Besides, in a little while, it won't matter which you get. The merger still has a ways to go before it's officially completed.

    Comment

    • chadskee
      MVP
      • Dec 2006
      • 1324

      #3
      Re: Sirius or XM, can't decide

      Alright let me break it down for you.

      I work in the Mobile Electronics department of Best Buy and I have to deal with these damn things all day long lol.

      I won't comment on the merger because once I think I have things figured out it changes so I won't speak on that but...

      Go with Sirius. At least as far as my store goes all the accessories are easier to find for them. The kits are all universal unlike XM and they have the better channel selection IMO.

      It also depends on what unit your looking at getting. The more expensive plug and play units (Which is everyone minus the Stilletto and Inno) the only thing your really getting is screen size and screen clarity. Color and all the jazz. If that's important to you go with a more expensive unit. The best looking display is the XM XpressR and the best looking SIRIUS unit is the Sportster 5.

      Also, when you play it in your house are you going to play it though and existing stereo or a boom box? This is an issue because you may need to have your antenna near a window to avoid signal problems, and sometimes they arise anyway like the guy above me stated. The boom box give you more options for where you put it I guess. They "suggest" a window facing the southern sky but I know guys in Minnesota that have it near any window and it works fine.

      For your car, plan on getting an FM Direct Adapter, if you tell the sales person they should know what your talking about, this just assures you get a direct connection rather than using the included "FM transmitter" which ends up sounding really bad. Unless your super handy with a car thats like a $30 install at Best Buy.

      For $100 they power it directly to your battery, install the adapter, run the power cord to your roof so it's not in the door, and create a mount. If you plan on keeping your radio long term it's worth it.

      Lastly, when choosing the unit make sure it's a newer model and it fits the boombox (if you're planning on using one) that you're looking at. And depending on which service you choose if the home and car kits are readily available. Get an Xpress series radio if you go with XM, and it won't matter which with SIRIUS.

      As far as channels, those that have had the service can tell you more about which they like the best, and of course to each their own.

      Any questions?

      Plug and Play unit - Radio you can dock on to any car or home kit and use your satellite radio subscription.

      Comment

      • Bruins
        .
        • Mar 2004
        • 6433

        #4
        Re: Sirius or XM, can't decide

        Plug and play, that's what I want. Sirius' website lists these models, from most expensive to least: Sportster 5, Starmate 4, Sportster 3, Stratus 4, and InV2.

        From what I've gathered based on what you said... they're pretty much the same except for what the screen/buttons look like? Or did I misunderstand?

        Comment

        • HungryBologna
          MVP
          • Nov 2003
          • 3156

          #5
          Re: Sirius or XM, can't decide

          Make it a point to listen to Jason Ellis on the Faction (Ch 28) 12PM-4PM PST, dude has the best show on radio.

          Comment

          • chadskee
            MVP
            • Dec 2006
            • 1324

            #6
            Re: Sirius or XM, can't decide

            Originally posted by Bruins
            Plug and play, that's what I want. Sirius' website lists these models, from most expensive to least: Sportster 5, Starmate 4, Sportster 3, Stratus 4, and InV2.

            From what I've gathered based on what you said... they're pretty much the same except for what the screen/buttons look like? Or did I misunderstand?
            There are other minor differences like how far back you can rewind but the bulk of the difference is in the fancier displays.

            If it interests you, starmate 4 is the first one that lets you pause and rewind up to 44 minutes, it also has the sports ticker and separate list with your favorite teams. Sportster does the same things but has longer pause/rewind and a bigger nicer display that you can set the color of.
            Last edited by chadskee; 06-12-2008, 02:27 AM.

            Comment

            • ExtremeGamer
              Extra Life 11/3/18
              • Jul 2002
              • 35299

              #7
              Re: Sirius or XM, can't decide

              I have XM, because nothing on Sirius interested me channel wise. I listen to baseball, college football, Opie and Anthony, and their rock stations, which XM has 15 of.

              Mixer Stream



              XBox - ExtremeGamer
              PSN - ExtremeGamer
              Switch - 4640-8613-7710

              Comment

              • crques
                All Star
                • Apr 2004
                • 5048

                #8
                Re: Sirius or XM, can't decide

                As far as music goes, they are basically the same. I have XM in my truck and Sirius with the Dish Network on my tv. They play just about the same music and their stations are very similar. I like XM because I can listen to MLB and college football. I think Sirius has NFL though. It really just depends on what you're looking for.

                Comment

                • Bighoff
                  The Bird is the word
                  • Jul 2002
                  • 5312

                  #9
                  Re: Sirius or XM, can't decide

                  Most likely the companies will merge so it won't matter who you go with. I've had XM for 4 years, I love it. The only thing Sirius has that I want is the NFL but other then that I'll take XM all the way.
                  I've heard this "patience is a virtue" junk all my life. I'm happy to say I have no virtue, no scruples, and no desire to wait too long for anything. In my humble opinion instant gratification takes too long!

                  Comment

                  • Herky
                    Working for the weekend
                    • Jun 2004
                    • 4715

                    #10
                    Re: Sirius or XM, can't decide

                    I have XM so this probably is a little biased, but I love it. O&A is hilarious, and their music is solid. I've never found a moment where I couldn't find a song to listen to I didn't like after flipping around. I also enjoy the baseball and college football broadcasts as well.

                    NFL is the one thing I do wish XM.

                    I will say you probably can't do wrong with either, especially if you are in your car a lo. FM radio just sucks overall.
                    GT: Herkyalert
                    PSN: Herkyalert

                    Iowa Hawkeyes
                    Northern Iowa Panthers
                    Minnesota Vikings
                    Chicago Cubs
                    Minnesota Twins
                    Boston Celtics
                    Minnesota Timberwolves

                    Comment

                    • sadams33
                      MVP
                      • Oct 2002
                      • 1617

                      #11
                      Re: Sirius or XM, can't decide

                      I have xm and i love it i also have the portable pioneer inno and i don't know if sirius has that you can stream xm online

                      Comment

                      • Brandwin
                        Hall Of Fame
                        • Jul 2002
                        • 30621

                        #12
                        Re: Sirius or XM, can't decide

                        I cancelled Sirus about a month ago, not worth it for me. I listen to Stern online and other then that... eh.

                        Wish i could find someone to buy my player.

                        Comment

                        • Bruins
                          .
                          • Mar 2004
                          • 6433

                          #13
                          Re: Sirius or XM, can't decide

                          Originally posted by DookieMowf
                          I cancelled Sirus about a month ago, not worth it for me. I listen to Stern online and other then that... eh.

                          Wish i could find someone to buy my player.
                          Hmm... Which player do you have?

                          Comment

                          • nyisles16
                            All Star
                            • Apr 2003
                            • 8317

                            #14
                            Re: Sirius or XM, can't decide

                            well apparently the merger was just given the green light by the head of the FCC -- don't know how fast everything is going to happen though

                            Comment

                            • Bighoff
                              The Bird is the word
                              • Jul 2002
                              • 5312

                              #15
                              Re: Sirius or XM, can't decide

                              Originally posted by nyisles16
                              well apparently the merger was just given the green light by the head of the FCC -- don't know how fast everything is going to happen though
                              I found this:

                              FCC has apparently leaked word that FCC boss Kevin Martin will be approving the Sirius/XM merger. There will supposedly be some concessions applied to the $5 billion merger, including the carrier being forced to turn over 24 channels to noncommercial and minority programming, a three-year freeze on prices and packages, and a mandatory "a la carte" offering.

                              If it's true then that's great cause I like Opie & Anthony and Ron& Fez on XM but I want NFL from Sirius. I just wonder how long it will take for this to go through.
                              <!-- google_ad_section_end -->
                              Last edited by Bighoff; 06-16-2008, 03:06 PM.
                              I've heard this "patience is a virtue" junk all my life. I'm happy to say I have no virtue, no scruples, and no desire to wait too long for anything. In my humble opinion instant gratification takes too long!

                              Comment

                              Working...