Howdy all,

Not sure if this is the best forum to post this, but I couldn't find any place else to talk about regular old AM/FM radio. I have a denon 3804, and when plugging in the standard AM/FM loop antennas I get absolutely nothing but static in my house.

I was wondering if anyone could point me in the direction of how must cost effectively to get some solid reception through the Denon. I'd like to avoid using an outdoor antenna, as my little clock radio works fine, so I doubt its a signal problem. Can I just grab any old indoor antenna, hook it up and call it a day?

Target

Might try an antennae in the attic or on the wall/ window on the side of the house closest to the stations transmitter. That loop antennae is for AM?

Yes, the loop is for AM, though the tuner for FM looks identical. Can you recommend where I might get a decent antenna?

Target

I am looking at this one and will likely buy it soon. It has great reviews.

http://www.ccrane.com/antennas/am-antennas/twin-coil-ferrite-am-antenna.aspx

Radio Shack?
$4 dipole, a little coax cable, 300-75ohm adapter.

Or just take a length of coax cable, connect one end to the receiver and strip the sheilding off the last either 15 or 30 inches. Leave the center wire intact and try not to nick it. Hang it verticel
in a window or on the wall. Try 30" first. If you get a little static then cut 15" off.

Wingard makes excellent antennas.

Good luck

The FM broadcast band is between two channels in the VHF TV band and if you get over the air TV you have a clue as to what sort of antenna you might need. The wire folded di-pole (usually there is one in box with the receiver, works well for nearby stations in areas with no multi-path (reflections from hills etc). The di-pole is like one of the cross elements in a TV antenna, but without a reflector or director to increase gain.

PBS offers an interesting dipole variant (http://shop.npr.org/products/FM_Reflect_Antenna-195-0.html?sc=gaw&gclid=CLv_7vid9JYCFRg6awodET_HXg)

Amplified FM antennas are usually a waste of money; they generally work well only in strong signal areas.

If you search on the web for AM antennas you will find many simple designs, including a long wire. The much lower frequency of broadcast AM means long wave lengths and long wave lengths mean large antennas.