FM Reception question, please

You can get excellent medium range reception from two modestly priced indoor antennas: the Magnum Dynalab ST-2 and the Fanfare FM-2G. They also will provide pretty good TV reception. Not a bad option if, like me, you mainly watch videotapes/DVDs and think cable contracts are ridiculous rip-offs. Both have the same "whip" design and retail for around $95. If you're patient, you'll find one on Audiogon.

I have a Magnum Dynalab MD-100 tuner. The Magnum Dynalab ST-2 and Fanfare FM2G are very similar. I tried the ST-2 indoors and outdoors (but not at a high elevation) and it was surprising ineffective. I stayed with my Magnum Dynalab Silver Ribbon, which is directional and brought in a stronger signal. I was very surprised at this result. I did not try the ST-2 on a high roof mount, where it should be more effective. So, if you are really committed to staying indoors, consider the Silver Ribbon. Its only $30.

Its remarkable how much ridiculous misinformation is out there. The Magnum and Fanfare whip antennas are junk, and cannot have gain over a simple dipole. They're little more than overpriced wire rods. Real antennas take space, and there is no way around it.

Go to RadioShack, and spend $20 on their 6 element outdoor FM antenna, along with $50 for a rotator and accessories and mount it on your roof if you want decent reception, or mount it in your attic pointed in the direction where the majority of the stations are which you want to pick up. As a backup, keep the dipole and use an A/B switchbox if you desire a station where the real antenna doesn't point.

Beyond that, the simple "T" shaped dipole is not going to be improved upon by either of the two garbage antennas that the scam tuner companies are foisting off on unsuspecting consumers. If you don't mind the ugliness, get a really big antenna like the models from APS or alternately the TACO QFM-9 or Winegard HD-6065. The best FM upgrade I ever made was putting a real antenna up.

Ryanmhl is right on the mark. I have found identical results with a whip antenna and with the $15 Radio Shack omnidirectional antenna mounted in an attic - why pay more for a whip. A tuner with dual antenna inputs is the way to go; try using both a directional and nondirectional unit in the attic or on the roof. It may take a weekend of work, but there is no substitute for setting up a real antenna. If you think whip antennas to be useful indoors, try parking you car in the garage and checking the reception.