Best Indoor FM Antenna


I would like to hear what people think is the best indoor FM antenna. I am unable to set up a large outdoor unit. I currently use a large Terk,but wish to upgrade. How about the Magnum Dynalab ST-2?
boboh1

Showing 2 responses by sdcampbell

I have tried various indoor antennas -- some powered, some not -- but have recently been using the "FM Super Antenna" which is built and distributed by UHF Magazine (a Canadian publication). The antenna is an unpowered version of the "rabbit ears" variety, but it works very well in my home in Seattle. Seattle is a tough FM environment -- lots of hills, transmitters that are widely scattered, plenty of multipath distortion -- but the antenna works very well. It's also inexpensive at about $38 US. For more info, check the following link (look along the right hand side of the page under "accessories"): http://www.uhfmag.com/AudiophileStore.html
As you can see from "TheDuke's" response to my first post, there is a difference of opinion about the "FM Super Antenna". I can only report my own experiences, which were positive. His dissenting point of view does tend to emphasize a point here: there is no indoor antenna on the market that will match a good outdoor, mast-mounted antenna. I realize that your question, Boboh1, was to explore whether there are good indoor antennas. Based on my own experiences, I'd have to say there are no really great indoor models -- some are decent, and the rest are a waste of money (a point echoed by virtually all of the professional reviews). There are pros and cons to both powered and un-powered indoor antennas. Powered antennas may make a signal stronger, but it also amplifies noise and multipath distortion. To sort out the stronger signal from the stronger noise takes a very good tuner with excellent selectivity. So the equation isn't simply one of the antenna -- the quality of the tuner makes a big difference. The better the tuner, infact, the more likely you can make do with a decent unpowered indoor antenna. I have a good tuner, and I found the "FM Super Antenna" provides a very clean, albeit unamplified, signal. (It also provides the best TV signal of any indoor "rabbit ears" I have ever used.) I am not trying to "sell" this antenna -- simply make the point that you need to think about the antenna within the further context of your tuner, the reception quality in your area, etc.