[NoDownTime]

The very poor sound quality that I am getting out of my Polk
receiver puzzles me, because when I had the opportunity to listen to
XM's programming through a DirecTv system, the sound quality was
superb. Does anyone have an explanation for this great difference?


Sorry, I failed to address this -- you are exactly right here --
through the DirecTV system you are getting a much higher bitrate than
over XM's satellites.

XM broadcasts via its own satellites using AACPlus at bitrates from
32-64 kbps (for music channels, with the actual rate depending on the
channel). When you receive the signal via DirecTV, the compression is
much less -- I believe at 128kbps or higher. So, you are exactly right
about this -- if you have an option for using the DirecTV signal, it is
probably a good idea.

You can get 64kbps via streaming (this is likely to increase next year,
so I'm hearing, to 128kspb). I do think frequently, streaming from my
laptop/Itunes to my sound system, and it works pretty well. Also,
Sirius does offer 128kbps streaming right now for an additional fee. I
think it is likely XM will offer the same in the coming months.