Hi. The Bay area is atypical environment for FM reception. The type of antenna that benefits you is dependent upon the conditions in the immediate area where you live. Due to the hilly terrain, the antenna that works for your cousin in Alameda may be unfit for use in Berkeley.
Per your mention of classical music, you may be interested in listening to 90.9 which is a public radio station broadcasting from Sacramento. Some parts of San Fran, North Bay, and some areas of East Bay can receive this station. Unlike 102.1 there are no commercials, the music played is more diverse and they do not focus on playing snippets of works, the announcers are more professional and listenable, and last but not least, the fidelity surpasses 102.1 by leaps and bounds. Although you may not be an opera fan, they have a fabulous opera show on Friday nights that even non-opera lovers typically enjoy. This is lead by Sean Bianco who is an amazing listen.
Good luck.
Per your mention of classical music, you may be interested in listening to 90.9 which is a public radio station broadcasting from Sacramento. Some parts of San Fran, North Bay, and some areas of East Bay can receive this station. Unlike 102.1 there are no commercials, the music played is more diverse and they do not focus on playing snippets of works, the announcers are more professional and listenable, and last but not least, the fidelity surpasses 102.1 by leaps and bounds. Although you may not be an opera fan, they have a fabulous opera show on Friday nights that even non-opera lovers typically enjoy. This is lead by Sean Bianco who is an amazing listen.
Good luck.