Electron,
Thank you for your reply.
I pointed the antenna 30-50 degrees magnetic compass and found the best reception between 35-45 degrees magnetic compass, which produced 52-56% signal strength. I did not state however that I live in a townhouse with a brick front and I am the second townhouse in. The antenna is pointed out of my roofline and potentially through a portion of my neighbor's roofline. They also have a brick front.
I will check the coax connectors since the electrician spliced the preamp in as you described. I'll also check the coax antenna against a "good" coax to ensure that it isn't a coax issue. It will take me several days to get to that, but I'll let you know how things progress.
Thanks again,
Tamara