Best Indoor FM Antenna

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

I purchased an FM Super Antenna a few years back and found it to be overpriced, poorly constructed, and no better in performance than a rabbit ears type which you could get at your local Radio Shack. When I first set it up, the telescoping rod pulled right out. The base of the unit is a very light weight plastic which doesn't stay put due to the very heavy duty cable (good quality cable, though). The real downer was that I always got a higher signal strength reading with the $15 Radio Shack unit than with the "Super" on my Onkyo T-9090 MkII. Stay away from this "FM Super Antenna".

The ST-2 is a rather long "whip" antenna. I have one inside that is connected to a Signal Sleuth. Now I can get in some FM stations, as I live on the downside of a hill from Boston, where all the transmitters are. The signal sleuth sells for about 150 used--without it the antenna didn't make that much difference, because it's really intended for outdoor mounting. Check out the magnum dynalab website or call the manufacturer--they're really helpful.

I have both the Magnum ST-2 and use the Fanfare FM-2G. With the FM-2G I get a little better signal gain. They are both good and cost about the same new ($85). Both of mine are used indoor, I didn't want to tempt lightning.

IMHO, one of the very best indoor models is the humble 300 ohm "T" packed along with most RF gear today. Properly installed (ideally extended at ceiling level), you need an outdoor mounted model to better its overall performance. The Magnum-Dynalab and Fanfare bottom loaded whips are primarly outdoor omni models and do not deliver particularly exciting indoor performance. Variations of the old "rabbit ears", provided they consist of direct connection, unswitched elements, are acceptable indoor performers. Whatever your choice, avoid in particular any amplified indoor model. Most of this ilk, including many $75-$100 designer models, will impose grossly unacceptable noise and distortion levels upon any RF signal. Under about 15-20 feet, try to stick with 300 ohm lead in to minimize line losses. Longer than that and you should consider RG-6 75 ohm coaxial to combat interference. Never split or combine signals. Keep it passive and go up and outdoors as much as possible. This you will find results in the best overall RF capture. Happy DXing!