Here is my current setup:

On my roof, I have a channel master CM4228

About 50ft of RG6 cable goes from the antenna to the inside of my house into a Philips PH6111 two output distribution amplifier. This amplifier list a 24dB gain on the box

From the distribution amplifier, one cable goes about 60ft to Samsung PLR-3100 ATSC tuner. Another cable goes from the amplifier to another Philips 32" CRT TV w/ a built-in ATSC tuner.

Being from the 48116 zip code, I am so close to picking up other stations from Lansing, Flint, and even Toledo. I can pick up all Detroit stations with no problem. But, I want more (dont we all?). At times, they do tune in.

My question is: By adding a pre-amplifier between the antenna and distribution amplifier, would that help in reducing any noise in the cable than runs between the antenna and distribution amplifier? Or, would that make things worse having this setup and should I just stick to using my current distribution amplifier? Also, is there a pre-amplifier that has dual output?

My question is: By adding a pre-amplifier between the antenna and distribution amplifier, would that help in reducing any noise in the cable than runs between the antenna and distribution amplifier? Or, would that make things worse having this setup and should I just stick to using my current distribution amplifier? Also, is there a pre-amplifier that has dual output?


you are 17-35 miles from the towers, with stations in yellow, split only a few times, and relatively short runs.

the best thing to do is replace your current distribution amp which has too much gain (24db) for your needs and install a winegard hdp269 preamp at your antenna and just use splittters indoors to distribute the signals to your devices. the cm7777 and other popular high gain amps are not suggested there based on your situation.

Suggest to replace the distribution amp you currently own with a winegard hdp269 preamp. the only time you would need to add a distribution amp is if you have a very long runs in the home to deal with and need to address the losses associated with that. the preamp mentioned installed at the antenna would be plenty for your needs and will be a better match for your situation.

My question is: By adding a pre-amplifier between the antenna and distribution amplifier, would that help in reducing any noise in the cable than runs between the antenna and distribution amplifier? Or, would that make things worse having this setup and should I just stick to using my current distribution amplifier? Also, is there a pre-amplifier that has dual output?

Unlikely.

While you do need a mimimum signal level to receive DTV, thereafter reception depends on the signal to noise ratio and low multi-path.

Signal meters indicate the quality of the signal (based on errors due to multi-path or low SNR) and not strength.

Amplifiers just add more noise (typically 2 to 5 dB) and degrade SNR and reception. The only time one should ever be used is to overcome loss in a long coax run. In that case, use a low noise pre-amp at the antenna. Thereafter, use a high quality splitter.

Think of it this way. If you were viewing an analog channel with some snow (the snow is displayed noise). Adding an amplifier will increase the signal strength but at the same time add more snow.