Preamp Recommendations?

[Phalaenopsis]

I’ve recently reconfigured my OTA setup and I need a good preamplifier. Ever since I’ve moved my antenna outside, CBC Windsor (30 miles away) has been slightly pixilating. Would this be a good mast mounted preamplifier to get? RCA TVPRAMP1Z Preamplifier
Thanks!

 

[comfortably_numb]

I’ve recently reconfigured my OTA setup and I need a good preamplifier. Ever since I’ve moved my antenna outside, CBC Windsor (30 miles away) has been slightly pixilating. Would this be a good mast mounted preamplifier to get? RCA TVPRAMP1Z Preamplifier
Thanks!

That's one of the ones I have. I recommend it. Another good one is the Channel Master CM-7777HD.

 

[Phalaenopsis]

It’s CBET-DT Channel 9.1 Hi-VHF My antenna is about 8 feet off the ground. Attached is my tv fool report

 

[pamajestic]

Do you have the VHF dipole attached? Or can I not see it against the brick?

 

[Phalaenopsis]

No, This is the older Clearstream with no dipoles

 

[Phalaenopsis]

 

[Phalaenopsis]

That's one of the ones I have. I recommend it. Another good one is the Channel Master CM-7777HD.

I think I’ll go with this preamplifier then. The channel master is too expensive.

 

[Phalaenopsis]

Any better ways to maximize SQ? On the CBET I have Q raging from 17-33%

 

[comfortably_numb]

I think I’ll go with this preamplifier then. The channel master is too expensive.

One of the upsides to the TVPRAMP1Z is that you can add a second, separate VHF antenna and it combines the signals from both. In your case, CBET is VHF, so this could work to your advantage.

On a side note, with trees coming into full summer foliage, I'm experiencing signal loss on one or two of my stations also. So if you just recently noticed a drop in signal, that could be why. Moving your antenna up as high as possible (on the roof or strapped to a chimney if you have one) could help a lot.

 

[harshness]

An appropriate antenna is probably going to serve you better than amplification given that what you want is all in the yellow or better.

You have two VHF-high channels now (WJBK and CBET) and will be adding another (Daystar) as part of the repack. The Clearstream is UHF-only so it isn't doing you any favors on RF channels 7 and 9.

 

[comfortably_numb]

If that Clearstream is a UHF-only antenna, then like harshness said, you’ll need a different antenna (or add a VHF-only antenna and combine it with the UHF using the TVPRAMP1Z.

 

[KE4EST]

A good, proper antenna is always better. If you do not have much signal to work with, a pre-amp is not gonna help much, if at all. You can not amplify what you don't have.

 

[primestar31]

Kitztech kt-200-coax preamp hands down. KT-200 TV Booster

 

[comfortably_numb]

Kitztech kt-200-coax preamp hands down. KT-200 TV Booster

If the OP doesn't want to pay $69.99 for the CM-7777HD, then I doubt he'd pay $79.95 for the KT-200

 

[primestar31]

If the OP doesn't want to pay $69.99 for the CM-7777HD, then I doubt he'd pay $79.95 for the KT-200

It's worth it, and it's the best amp out there IMO.

 

[Phalaenopsis]

I’m getting WJBK just fine, with 90%Q. I think I’ll switch back to a attic antenna and get the stellar labs vhf antenna and the rca preamplifier. The RG59 cable running from my attic broke, so how can I fish a new RG6 cable through the wall?

 

[Phalaenopsis]

If that Clearstream is a UHF-only antenna, then like harshness said, you’ll need a different antenna (or add a VHF-only antenna and combine it with the UHF using the TVPRAMP1Z.

And I just threw away a 6 foot directional vhf antenna.

 

[primestar31]

I’m getting WJBK just fine, with 90%Q. I think I’ll switch back to a attic antenna and get the stellar labs vhf antenna and the rca preamplifier. The RG59 cable running from my attic broke, so how can I fish a new RG6 cable through the wall?

If the present RG59 isn't stapled, use some black electrical tape to tape some RG-6 on the end of it (don't make it too fat to fit through any drilled holes), and pull it through while pulling OUT the RG59 cable...

 

[Phalaenopsis]

If the present RG59 isn't stapled, use some black electrical tape to tape some RG-6 on the end of it (don't make it too fat to fit through any drilled holes), and pull it through while pulling OUT the RG59 cable...

Sadly, I think its stapled because I tried to pull it out before and it wouldnt budge.

Sent from my LGMS631 using the SatelliteGuys app!

 

[Phalaenopsis]

I bought 2 preamp’s today