Better sound quality: XM or Sirius?

[Buckaroo]

Which satellite radio service provides better sound quality, XM or Sirius?

[Will.Spencer]

Sirius uses three satellites in elliptical orbits, so theoretically they could run into intereference more than XM's two geosynchronous birds. But of course, that only affects fixed receivers. If you are using a mobile receiver, then it doesn't matter if the satellite is geosynchronous or elliptical.

I am not a subscriber of either service, but from what the subscribers tell me the two services are eerily identical. Sound quality does not appear to be a differentiator.

The differentiators appear to be in the selection of radios and in your preferences for programming.

[pctec]

I dont subscribe either... but I would agree if you buy a $50 radio, you will get a $50 radio. Spend a bit more and Im sure the quality will not be an issue with either provider. Satelite signals are all digital. A zero is a zero and a one is a one... Know what I mean?

[Will.Spencer]

I like that XM's radio's are built by consumer electronics companies, whereas Siruis satellite radios are built by Sirius.