So I signed up for XM radio yesterday for $26.00 for months.
Talk radio sounds just OK and I can't stand the music.

I remember having a previous removable unit that also showed FM signal strength.

I wonder if the 2011 Mini Cooper uses the same technology?
I have a stubby antenna that I'm sure affects the FM reception.

 

FM antenna is in the back glass, stubby on roof is AM

 

I have Sirius radio that came factory with lifetime subscription. Never had any issues with reception or sound quality....I have the HD radio not the HK.

 

I wonder if the stubby antenna has something to do with the sound quality.
I will have to find the tall antenna that came with the car and see if it helps.

 

I have an Alta stubby since day two of ownership...no issues.

 

Xm sounds like it sucks because it does. It's a very compressed format, slightly better than FM, a lot less than CD.

The XM/sat antenna is in the base of the roof antenna. It is not the stubby.

 

Yikes! I play hardball and only paid $89 a year!

 

Dan they got me for 150 a year with out the channels I really wanted

 

The loaner vehicle I had today while Bergii was getting some scheduled maintenance also had XM. Iwas disappointed in the sound - it's not better than FM. I will be done with it after my 6 month trial is done.

 

Maybe it is my 43y/o ears, but SiriusXM sounds awesome in my MINI, my Explorer and my wife's Honda Accord.

 

Then you just don't know any better...lol it sucks, like an iPod sucks...

 

SiriusXM sound quality is pretty sad. I'm no audiophile, but I can hear the difference from it over music bought from iTunes, Amazon, or Google Play... And those aren't always very good either. For talk radio, its fine. Music, acceptable to most people. I put up with it, only because its free for a year, and easier to turn it on than plug in my phone to the stereo. Once my free year is up, I'll go back to Pandora (again not great, but still better) and music stored locally on my phone.