AM/FM Stereo with SiriusXM® + 360L

[Rocco P.]

Hello everyone, I just need a little info on the standard stereo system that comes with the 2021 XLT (302-a high). I declined the upgrade to the B&O 8 speaker system in order to save a few bucks but as I wait for delivery I am wondering if I shortchanged myself. How does everyone feel about the AM/FM Stereo with SiriusXM + 360L? How does it sound to you? Any regrets??

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[philipam]

Hello everyone, I just need a little info on the standard stereo system that comes with the 2021 XLT (302-a high). I declined the upgrade to the B&O 8 speaker system in order to save a few bucks but as I wait for delivery I am wondering if I shortchanged myself. How does everyone feel about the AM/FM Stereo with SiriusXM + 360L? How does it sound to you? Any regrets??

No regrets on my 2021XLT with 302-a high as well.

 

[Blueshound]

It's fine. I listen to FM and XM constantly. It's as good as any car stereo I've had.

 

[3DogKnight]

I have the 302a package with the standard stereo and love it. My wifes Escape Titanium has the B&O sound system and I can't tell the difference. Both sound great.

 

[Bandito]

The one thing that is really nice about the higher end systems is that they include support for digital radio or HD radio. The quality there is really nice so if you live in an area that has very many HD stations, this might be something to consider.

My experience with Sirius/XM is that their sound quality leaves a lot to be desired. They may have improved since I last listened to them 4 or 5 years ago, but back then they were pretty awful-sounding to my ears. Especially when the DJs were talking. There was a tinny-sounding echo that followed what they said all the time and it was really annoying.

 

[Rocco P.]

The one thing that is really nice about the higher end systems is that they include support for digital radio or HD radio. The quality there is really nice so if you live in an area that has very many HD stations, this might be something to consider.

My experience with Sirius/XM is that their sound quality leaves a lot to be desired. They may have improved since I last listened to them 4 or 5 years ago, but back then they were pretty awful-sounding to my ears. Especially when the DJs were talking. There was a tinny-sounding echo that followed what they said all the time and it was really annoying.

I remember the slight echo that you speak of. It was super annoying; however the echo is no longer an issue today. It's the subscription prices that irk me today .

 

[Blueshound]

The base stereo has HD radio. You can choose from the main HD stream or usually one or two others. Can definitely tell when it drops out of HD.
XD, I mostly listen to stand up comedy, Phish and Grateful Dead which are almost entirely live concert performances. The sound quality is low enough to start with that XD compression doesn't really matter.

 

[dropp01]

I have an ST with the B&O and my 150 has the standard, to me the difference is very slight. Yes I get it's two different cars.

 

[Str8Shooter]

I think the standard non B&O sounds surprisingly good. I have no regrets.

One significant benefit to me is that with the standard system I have more storage space behind the rear seat on the drivers side. I put snatch straps and equipment for recovery, towing, ratchet straps, rope, and even heavy duty extension cords for the pro power onboard system behind the seat. I wouldn't be able to do that with the B&O system.

If I decide later that I want better sound (which I doubt I will), I'll use the $610 saved by not getting the B&O and try to buy something better. For now, I like having all that extra space.

 

[Sapphire]

It's the subscription prices that irk me today .

Just to make sure, you don’t pay more than ~$5 per month for SiriusXM, right?

 

[shalabama]

One significant benefit to me is that with the standard system I have more storage space behind the rear seat on the drivers side. I put snatch straps and equipment for recovery, towing, ratchet straps, rope, and even heavy duty extension cords for the pro power onboard system behind the seat. I wouldn't be able to do that with the B&O system.

Nice setup. I didn’t realize there was that much space available behind the seat. Is that the aftermarket latch release I’ve seen mentioned?

 

[Str8Shooter]

Thanks. Yes, that is an aftermarket latch to help release and drop the seat back down. It was only $10.95 and only took a couple of minutes to install. Here's the one I bought. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07G5865S5?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details

 

[Jaylars]

The only time XM matters is when I'm somewhere like this. Not sure I would like to play their "deals" game every year though. The basic system is fine if you are not that picky with music, but the B&O was worth the 600 bones to me.

 

[Tosh]

Just to make sure, you don’t pay more than ~$5 per month for SiriusXM, right?

they offered me $15.99/Mo. for 12 months.

If I drove a lot, across country where there is no FM, I'd subscribe to Sirius again, but not now.

 

[Sapphire]

they offered me $15.99/Mo. for 12 months.

If I drove a lot, across country where there is no FM, I'd subscribe to Sirius again, but not now.

Yeah, that’s the game with them, unfortunately. I set a yearly reminder for myself to call them at (888) 601-6302, and ask them for the same deal every year of $60 for the year. It comes with streaming too, so I can use it with the app.

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