Antennas Direct Preamps

The Antennas Direct preamps don't get alot of discussion here, with the focus usually upon Channel Master and Winegard. But since the original CM versions have now been replaced with newer versions, it seems like a good time to look at other models. AD makes the CPA19 and PA18. Anyone have any experience with either of these versions, and how is the performance? Which model has lower noise figure for UHF? The CPA19 states 2.0 noise figure, while the PA18 may be slightly lower at 1.8. And if you have a mix of strong local and weaker distant channels, which version deals better with overload? Perhaps ADTech could offer some insight. Reviews requested.

Perhaps most folks here prefer Channel Master or Winegard for preamps, but these Antennas Direct versions have good noise figures, so I was wondering which model may be the best performer, the CPA19 or PA18.

The CPA19 seems to get good reviews on Amazon, and the specs claim low noise and resistance to overload. So it appears to be a good choice if a preamp is needed, especially if the new CM7777 is inferior to the original. It is hard to find reviews of the new 7777, as most still focus on the original version.

I guess Antennas Direct is better known for their antennas than their preamps, judging for the lack of response here. But perhaps the CPA19 has just been overlooked in favor of Channel Master and Winegard versions. But now that the original 7777 has been replaced, I just thought the Antennas Direct model may be worthy of consideration. Especially given the apparent low noise specs and overload resistance. But I've said all I have to say here unless further comments are offered.

That original CM7777 was one of the better consumer grade preamps available, because of its dual UHF/VHF inputs and low noise factor. But now that it has been replaced by the new owners PCT, I have been looking at other alternatives such as Winegard and Antennacraft. Then I remembered that Antennas Direct also distributes preamps, and the CPA19 sounds promising with low noise specs and resistance to overload. And it gets good reviews on Amazon, but has been somewhat overlooked on this forum in the past in favor of Channel Master and Winegard. But now that CM has changed, it may be time for a closer look.

Long story short, I have now installed a CPA19 preamp and it is working very well. Strong build, and decent gain at 17db without overpowering. Seems to be very tolerant of overload from strong nearby locals, as well as receiving distant channels. Getting one weak distant channel that my old 7777 struggled with. Low noise figure of 2.0, seems to be a quality product, and was supposedly optimized for digital reception.

Final thoughts: I think the CPA19 has been overlooked for consideration on this forum in favor of the former CM778/7777. But now that those have been replaced, the CPA19 should be considered. It has a low noise figure of 2.0, medium gain, and is designed to be tolerant of overload. And supposedly optimized for digital reception. It is working very well for me, recieving strong locals as well as distant channels. A good product, IMO.