If you're within about 40 miles of the NYC transmitters then it's great, beyond that the reception suffers and it goes in and out from dig to analog (Big sound difference). Most stations are broadcasting multiple genres/shows on the same frequency, as in 95.5-1, 95.5-2 etc. I think the sound beats SAT a bit but of course there's not as much selection but I like the savings (but I do miss XM Cafe). Check out my posts with pics in the Stereo/Electronics section, I have a Directed (they make most of Sirius' receivers) HD unit that fits perfectly in the module bay of the 5's stereo.