2. misc-audio
  3. 1137521313

XM now sounds worse

I've recently noticed that when listening to XM Radio, the sound on XM Classics and some other stations is thin, distorted slightly on the high end. I think that while the sound has'nt always been great, it used to sound better than this. I can't figure if it's my system or XM has lowered sound quality by adding more stations.

My setup is kinda strange: The Polk XM Tuner is hooked to a Ramsey FM100 FM Transmitter to brodcast (thru my house only) to my various tuners. Now I do know that this is an 'extra processing step' - but this USED to sound great. Could Lightning possibly mess up the sound in the Polk Tuner without totally frying it? It does'nt make any sense because it used to sound good. I have several different systems in my home, and receiving XM in this manner NOW sounds bad in All my various systems, whereas it used to sound good. So I don't think it is a bad receiving tuner, or the fact I have too much equipment plugged in - like I said it used to sound good, but now....

Any thoughts would be appreciated.
joeylawn36111

Showing 2 responses by mark02131

mark02131's avatar
mark02131
99 posts
 
XM Still sounds just like it always has. I really is quite good. I have the Polk Audio tuner plugged into my McIntosh MDA1000 DAC with a nice digital cable. Last night I was listening to MX70 (jazz) and I could not beleave how good it sounded.

I would check your transmitter, Also you might try taking the XM tuner and plug it directly into your preamp and check the sound quility. Some hi output wireless devices (modems,phones) can really mess up FM signels.

Mark
mark02131's avatar
mark02131
99 posts
 
I also notice a difference in sound quality between different channels. The other thing I notice is in my car when some channels drop out I can switch to a more popular channel and it will not drop out. This may have something to do with bandwidth. I listen to 7 (70's), 70 Real Jazz) , 71 Watercolors) If I listen to the heart (23) it drops out more offten on the road.

Mark
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