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!

www.ccrane.com sells a very effective indoor FM antenna for $29.95 including shipping. You have to spend some time experimenting with position and bending the flexible antenna for best results. It was better than the Fanfare FM1G and the Magnum Dynalab ST2 that I tried. Also better then the 300 ohm antenna. But you should assess your FM problems first like: elevation of your listening point relative to the station, multipath problems (tall buildings or hills etc between you and station). I use the indoor antenna with a second system but it is a joke in pulling in stations, of course, to my outside mast mounted APS-13.

I have also used most of the antennas on the market. One that is getting some good reviews is a Godar passive, looks real nice too. I use a very good tuner a must firstly and have had the best results with the Magnum Dynalab silver antenna,not the ST2 (adjustable and with suction feet for mounting anywhere) second best was a BIC FM10.

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.

The ST-2 is an excellent antenna on my MD FT-11, and I use it indoors. Craig