XM -vs- Sirius

[navyflyer72]

ok, I've been posting on here a bunch about getting a Sirius workaround without having to install my Sirius Stiletto 2 or to route the XM antenna to my Stiletto. Well, so far I have had no success with any workarounds, but here is an interesting discovery:

I installed my Stiletto and plugged it into the accessory port in the center console, so I wouldn't have to rely on the FM transmit mode. This gives me great sound quality without hoping an FM station overpowers your signal.

Here is the EVEN more interesting discovery, on my commute to work (32 miles each way every day) my XM signal would break up with even the slightest tree/terrain obstruction, despite the fact that the XM antenna is pretty much the highest point on the car. So I install my Sirius Stiletto 2 and run the Sirius low-profile antenna out onto the trunk lid about 4 inches from the rear window inbetween my stripes (so the Sirius antenna is considerably lower than the XM antenna), and guess what? I have yet to have a break in signal! Now I am considering removing the sharkfin (don't care much about losing OnStar) and installing my Sirius low-profile antenna on my roof instead! Well maybe not, but I am definitely keeping my Sirius hooked up and waiting for the pro-clip mount for the Camaro to come out!

Now we just need GM and Sirius/XM to come out with something so we can have Sirius in the Camaro and use the steering wheel controls and get the info displayed on the head unit, so it can be safe to use! Complain away to GM and Sirius/XM, you know I will be!

[tjd24]

Thanks for the update - I think I posted to your other thread that I've had good success with the antenna "dot" on the inside rear deck on the driver's side (which obviously is more to the center of the road then if placed in the middle of the deck - hence less tree interference.

I too found my Sirius set-up having better reception than the head unit XM / Shark Fin...

[SNV]

When my car gets in next month I will test out my sirius too. From the sounds of it I'm going to have to hide the dot haha.

[patriotpa]

Sirius doesn't break up nearly as much in my truck as XM does in the Camaro. XM goes fuzzy then drops out like an analog signal. Sirius is digital, so less dropouts.

[SNV]

If I remember correct xm had to sats in the sky and sirius had 3. Not sure if they are sharing sats yet but it doesn't sound like it.

[BLUEMARO]

XM Sux, it drops out when Sirius keeps on ticking

[superstockcam]

Originally Posted by patriotpa

Sirius doesn't break up nearly as much in my truck as XM does in the Camaro. XM goes fuzzy then drops out like an analog signal. Sirius is digital, so less dropouts.

I run a sirius unit in my work trucks with a "thrown on the roof" magnet antenna, it never ever looses signal even in canyon driving. the Camaro XM fades/drops all the time, I think it is more than antenna type or location.
________
Depakote Lawsuit

[navyflyer72]

the # of satellites may be the culprit here, if it's true that Sirius has 3 and XM only has 2 it stands to reason that the XM coverage would be worse.

XM can lapse at 3 months (I don't use it now anyway), I have my Sirius lifetime subscription and my Stiletto 2 (if only proclips would get their mounts for the Camaro out on the market) and I like the performance of Sirius anyway, worth it to me to have my antenna out there on the trunk...

[SNV]

XM info http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/XM_Satellite_Radio

Sirius info http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sirius_Satellite_Radio

[tjd24]

My 3 months is actually up tomorrow 8/25 - the only two reasons to extend - 1) Home Plate MLB and 2) convenience of having the station/song info displayed on the head unit. I have hear others got their renewal at $77 per year by saying they'll cancel otherwise but they do not negotiate on the Best of Sirius package.

As I too have Sirius for Life of my Starmate 4 I may just stay with that set-up in the console. I'd like to have the headunit not display "Aux Input" when I am playing it though.

[SNV]

I am going to try and get the renewal for $77. Then I will call and bitch about the best of sirius hehe.

[Rtoups]

My family has been using XM for 8 years now. My dad bought his new Jaguar last year, which came with Sirius, and I hate it! There aren't enough channels that I like.

[tjd24]

I spoke with XM today, when the agent couldn't offer me what I wanted I was transfered to their cancellation desk who try to "save" the account. I was offered me the $77/year, as I already had a credit card on file they would not offer the $12.95 discount for giving a credit card (for auto-renewal at higher price so you'd need to call in-advance of the anniversary date to avoid being charged). As we have two cars with XM - my Camaro and wife's G6 - I tried to get both cars for $77 but they would not go there though I thought for a moment he'd agree. So I would pay $77 per car + the new Music Royalty fee $11.78 per car as well.

As I already have a Sirius Starmate 4 with a Liftime subscription I told them to cancel both if they couldn't do better - they wouldn't so I cancelled. My wife doesn't drive her car often so I bought another car kit to move the Sirius to the G6 when we use that for a longer trip.

I'll miss the convenience of having XM on the headunit but $88.78 in my pocket thanks to the Sirius lifetime subscription...

[bluman]

Originally Posted by tjd24

others got their renewal at $77 per year by saying they'll cancel otherwise but they do not negotiate on the Best of Sirius package.

correct, just did extend this past Saturday myself