IS - 2nd Gen (2006-2013) Discussion about the 2006+ model IS models

XM sound quality

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Old 10-19-07, 07:40 AM
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sjgIS350
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Default XM sound quality

I am considering adding the XM receiver to my 06 IS350. I have read several comments on various websites that complain of low sound quality.

For those of you who have/had XM in your IS..whats your take on the sound quality? XM says 'near CD'..others have said worse than FM...better than AM.

Before I drop 3 Ben's on it..it would be nice to have some real world knowledge

Thanks
Old 10-19-07, 08:15 AM
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Kurtz
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I've only had the car a couple weeks, but it certainly hasn't sounded worse than FM, at least not that I've noticed...
Old 10-19-07, 08:32 AM
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ISF_GG
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I've had mine for over a month now, and am very satisfied. The XM radio sound is certainly better than FM radio, at least where I live. Plus you get way more channels (that are mostly commercial free) to choose from than FM will ever offer. My girlfriend liked XM so much, that I put one in her car.
Old 10-19-07, 08:32 AM
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PhilipMSPT
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It isn't CD quality, but I do find it very clean and undistorted.

It's similar to FM, and definately better than AM.

XM has a "High Definition" classical station, and that one station has "surround sound" quality that pairs extremely well with the Mark Levinson system.

In all, it's a highly recommended addition to the car.
Old 10-19-07, 08:45 AM
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DropTopGal
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Originally Posted by PhilipMSPT
It isn't CD quality, but I do find it very clean and undistorted.

It's similar to FM, and definately better than AM.

XM has a "High Definition" classical station, and that one station has "surround sound" quality that pairs extremely well with the Mark Levinson system.

In all, it's a highly recommended addition to the car.
Well said, I agree.
Old 10-19-07, 10:57 AM
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Evitzee
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Depends on the quality of the source material. I listen to a lot of 70's and 80's rock and the quality is 'ok' because the source material wasn't that good back then. But if you listen to a station like 'Watercolors' (71) the quality is excellent because the recordings are new. In that case the quality is almost CD. It is well worth the 10 bucks or so a month. It beats FM which is always fading in and out. For those reporting that the quality is poor I would suspect they do not have their antenna properly placed. Proper placement is critical for solid reception. Too many try to hide it inside on top of the CHMSL (the 2006's at least) which can compromise reception, especially with some tints. This shouldn't be a problem with the shark fin now.

I even use a Delphi Roady XT receiver in my WRX through a cassette adaptor and the sound quality is pretty darn good. I'll never own another vehicle without satellite radio!

Last edited by Evitzee; 10-19-07 at 11:13 AM.
Old 10-19-07, 12:40 PM
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sjgIS350
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What is CHMSL?

Never mind...Google answered ti

Center High Mounted Stop Light

Last edited by sjgIS350; 10-19-07 at 12:44 PM.
Old 10-19-07, 12:42 PM
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KayGee
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Watercolors 71
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