As I discussed a couple weeks ago, I purchased both loww cost Sirius and XM receivers to try during The Great Ice Cream Run … I basically planned to stick with XM because it receives under trees on my work route, while Sirius doesn’t.
Well, by the second day of the drive, my decision was made:
I ripped out the XM antenna and receiver, and have been on Sirius ever since!
I found with XM that I frequently had to switch to another channel, because the music style I was listening to didn’t suit me; I just couldn’t find channels I was happy with for long periods.
With Sirius on the other hand, I could select for example channel 22 (my current fave) and basically leave it tuned all day, or at least till I fancied a different style.
For me, the XM programming doesn’t have enough consistency – the DJs aren’t as interesting to listen to either.
So, I’m stuck with a new choice: pay for Sirius and live with it cutting out on my drive to/from work, or give up satellite radio once again … curiously, Sirius received PERFECTLY all through the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive, both heavily tree covered.
The trees in Essex must be really thick, or it’s the more northerly angle to the satellites …
Anyway, if anyone wants an XM receiver going cheap … 😉
M&I / GBMINI 
“Anyway, if anyone wants an XM receiver going cheap”
With a review like that..?? Don’t go into sales..! 😉
Good choice Ian. I just installed a Starmate 4 as my previous Sirius was lost / stolen. I’m uncertain as to the reason, but the older Sirius radios I’ve had would immediately lose reception as soon as I pulled into our garage. This model seems to be more sensitive as I continue to get a fairly strong signal in the garage. Regardless if it’s a local repeater or an actual satellite signal coming in, it’s a pleasant surprise. The antenna puck is somewhat larger than previous ones so perhaps the difference isn’t purely cosmetic.
– dl
Glad to hear my original argument hasn’t changed. While both are great, I think sirius puts a little more effort into its music selection. I rarely listen to more than 2-3 channels, and the DJs are for the most part part of the entertainment.
I think up here there is a bit more of an angle, and a bit higher chance of overcast or humidity to further attenuate the signal. Keep an eye out for the “sirius dot” antenna, which apparently has the highest gain of the micro antennas. Or you could get one of the larger semi truck antennas which I’m sure will work better.
My wife and I like Serius, it came with the A4. The Bridge, the Vault amongst others, if they are all the same from state to state, are favs of ours. Maybe now is the time to tune into some Hendrix, Led Zepplin and see how good they are.
Glad your having fun. Mary said the display arrived.
=;¬)