FM Antenna

audiobliss

While I'm amazed at how well the little wire that came with my receiver picks up FM stations, a lot of stations do sound fuzzy; I can't even get some. One antenna I've seen in several Audio Advisor catalogs has caught my eye. The Godar Electronics' FM-1a. It's passive and connects via a 75ohm cable. That should work fine with my receiver, right? Would you recommend it? Would you recommend something different? Remember budget, as this ($60) is about the limit.

http://audioadvisor.com/store/productdetail.asp?sku=GODFM1A&product_name=FM-1A%20FM%20Antenna

Thanks!

SDA SRS 1.2

I have this antenna for my upstairs system. It seems to do a pretty good job even on a few fringe signals. It definitely performs best if it can be located as close to a window as possible.

Robbie

audiobliss

Thanks, appreciate the input. It would most likely be located about 5.5' from the floor and about 6' from a window, with nothing inbetween. That's pretty close to a window.

I'll see if I can't set aside some money for it, then. Thanks!

bikezappa

Just get a RS set of rabbit ears for $10.

pjdami

I have the Godar antenna and the FM Reflect antenna from C. Crane Company. The FM Reflect kicks its **** in my opinion. Only negative is that it is big and bulky so if the way it looks hanging on your wall is a concern then its up to you.

Steveinaz recommended the C. Crane antenna a while back. For $25 its hard to beat.


http://www.ccrane.com/antennas/fm-antennas/fm-reflect-antenna.aspx

mrmusicman

Screw FM!
XM sat rules

dkg999

I have two of the Godar antenna's, one of them is about 18" wide and the other one is about 42" wide. They are picky on placement, but in my all-brick apt. which has absolutely crappy radio reception, once I have them placed I am very impressed with them. I really don't have much to compare them to, except for the Terk antenna I tried.

audiobliss

Yeah, size and appearance are important. And availability. I've never been able to order online before, but I'm hoping I'll be able to convince the parents that Audio Advisor is sound enough. Thanks for the input, guys!

unbridled_id

I just ordered the c-crane reflect antenna. I use a cheap dipole and was considering the godar but felt since I could not put it near a window it would be less effective. I own a nad c422, and am in a basement, reception is good on strong stations but fringe stations have trouble locking in or are non-existant.

SCompRacer

audiobliss wrote:

Yeah, size and appearance are important. And availability. I've never been able to order online before, but I'm hoping I'll be able to convince the parents that Audio Advisor is sound enough.

They look good according to BizRate.

http://www.bizrate.com/ratings_guide/cust_reviews__mid--18818.html

If you do order online with a credit card, during checkout watch for a box that might be checked where they save your credit card number on file. Online etailers having that feature usually have that box checked by default. If they get hacked, at least your number shouldn't be there for the taking.

audiobliss

unbridled_id - C Crane reflect antenna; what's that? You like it?

SCompRacer - Thanks for the tip. I'll really hafta remember that.

unbridled_id

Audiobliss, the ccrane reflect antenna is a thick dipole, which according to their website and some other folks is a distinct improvement upon the standard ratshack dipole. It's 25 dollars and has a 30 day return so I figured what can I lose. Ccrane is that company that advertises on talk radio sometimes about their led flashlights and portable radios.

dorokusai

I just have a homeless guy stand in the yard with a 25ft. Channel Master duct taped to his back.....reception is excellent, and fully adjustable.

sucks2beme

I've got a Radio Shack fm antenna in the attic. Running the cable was a pain, but it works better than anything else I've tried. For FM reception, nothing beats a good antenna up high. Amplification only works if there's a clean signal there to begin with. All the high priced stuff I tried ended up being returned.

unbridled_id

Hey dorokusai, you best be careful, if your homeless guy antenna gets struck by lightning his next of kin may sue you.

unbridled_id

I agree an antenna high up will garner the best results. I used a terk amplified antenna and I was shocked to find it inferior to a simple dipole !

audiobliss

dorokusai wrote:

I just have a homeless guy stand in the yard with a 25ft. Channel Master duct taped to his back.....reception is excellent, and fully adjustable.

Hmmm. That is a great idea. Where do you get these, 'homeless guys'? Sounds like it should clear everything up just fine!


unbridled_id - Where can you buy that CCrane antenna you're talking about? Do you have to order from their website? (And what is their website?) I may just wait 'till you get yours so I can see what you think.

Thanks!

dorokusai

I live outside of DC man....c'mon

audiobliss

ROFL

Could you snag one for me and ship it down here? Make sure he's strong enough to stand for long periods of time!!

dorokusai

Unfortunately they are extremely unreliable and I have to chase my hobo/FM Antenna down the street every other week....he's pretty slow physically. I have inserted a GPS transmitter in his neck so I can locate him in my work truck. Obviously he doesn't know a good gig when he sees it....damn wanna-be musicians

audiobliss

Oh. Well, I had no idea they were so high-maintenance. I believe I just might look at a more traditional antenna like I suggested the start with. Thanks, though!

audiobliss

Oh man, I just realized that the antenna that undridled_id and pjdami are talking about are the same thing! LOL

So, from looking at the picture on their website, is the 53-inch part the piece that goes across the top and is the 'J' looking part the 80-foot cord? Or is all that the antenna and then the cord hooks to the end of that? Because if just the top part is the antenna and the rest is the cord, that should probably work in my room just fine.

Thanks!