hello, try a Channel Master Probe 9 roof mount antenna with a rotor...
Best roof antenna for vintage tube fm tuner
I've got a really nice Mcintosh MR71 tuner that has been completely restored and updated. In my listening room, I have a jack for a standard coaxial 75 Ohm cable.
My radio station KKXT Dallas is about 30 miles as the rf flies and it's pretty flat around here. I'm just using the 300 Ohm indoor antenna that came with the tuner and I'm only getting 5 (at best) out of 10 for signal strength.
I spoke to a local roof antenna installer who says that the way to go is the current circular antenna's versus a directional one because I'd get better overall performance for all stations. There is one local station in the other direction that I sometimes listen to.
I'm trying to determine how much better it will sounds the closer I get to 10 out of 10 signal strength and how much that will affect quality of sound because right now I'm getting a bit of fuzz. If I go through the forums, there are very different opinions. Some say the best is a vintage directional antenna or the S2 omnidirectional dynalab FM antenna.
The installer will install an antenna on the roof and connect it to existing wires which will get the signal to my cable coaxial jack in the room. And he will install his or mine if I buy one, so I'm asking what would work best.
Also, since the MAC MR71 has both 75 and 300 Ohm's does it make sense to change the standard coaxial and go to the old school 300 set up or stick with the 75?
Thanks!
Pete
My radio station KKXT Dallas is about 30 miles as the rf flies and it's pretty flat around here. I'm just using the 300 Ohm indoor antenna that came with the tuner and I'm only getting 5 (at best) out of 10 for signal strength.
I spoke to a local roof antenna installer who says that the way to go is the current circular antenna's versus a directional one because I'd get better overall performance for all stations. There is one local station in the other direction that I sometimes listen to.
I'm trying to determine how much better it will sounds the closer I get to 10 out of 10 signal strength and how much that will affect quality of sound because right now I'm getting a bit of fuzz. If I go through the forums, there are very different opinions. Some say the best is a vintage directional antenna or the S2 omnidirectional dynalab FM antenna.
The installer will install an antenna on the roof and connect it to existing wires which will get the signal to my cable coaxial jack in the room. And he will install his or mine if I buy one, so I'm asking what would work best.
Also, since the MAC MR71 has both 75 and 300 Ohm's does it make sense to change the standard coaxial and go to the old school 300 set up or stick with the 75?
Thanks!
Pete
8 responses Add your response
On my MR71, I use the 300 ohm connection, hooked up to the rooftop TV aerial....yeah, I still have one! I don't get any 10s since I don't have it optimally postioned, but near 10's on the stations I listen to. Sound fine to me-quiet and noise free. Location is the key. I can get a strong 8/9 with a $2.00 dipole on some stations. My Mac has been seeing double overtime lately. |
Thanks Guys! Those Channel Master Probe 9's are not easy to find. But now I'm also in the market for a TV antenna. I did some research and in Dallas they built all the main TV and FM radio towers in the same place. A candelabra which is 45 miles away, and on the biggest hill in the area. So does this mean I need 2 antennas? And since they are all in the same place, I guess I don't need a rotor? Thanks again! Pete |
For good clean FM reception you need a directional yagi type. A TV antenna is not the best choice so you will need 2 antennas. They stopped making FM only antennas years ago. This Stellar labs is the only one that I could find ! https://www.newark.com/stellar-labs/30-2460/four-element-directional-outdoor/dp/97W3565 |
You will need 2 antennae. For digital TV most stations are now UHF. FM is in the middle of the old VHF band. Go to antennaweb.org to get info on the TV antenna for your address and you can see if you need a rotor.For FM at 45 miles you may not need an expensive FM antenna (the S antenna may be enough, but the 4 element is better), but if you get one you may need a rotor. I recommend coax for better weather ageing and lower noise interference. Be sure the installer pays attention to proper grounding. |