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Is that the only way to get channel 9?
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You could try either the Y5-7-13 or a ClearStream 5. However, sometimes size DOES matter and this may well be one of those times. However, either would be well expected to outperform the single curved VHF element on your existing antenna.
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Why does 7 come in perfectly?
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Why does a blind squirrel sometimes find an acorn?
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Is there something specific about channel 9?
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Yes. Either the antenna happens to be in a "dead" spot for that channel (relocate the antenna and try again) or there is some localized electrical or electronics interference source affecting it. It might be local FM, it might be some other innocent looking device like a solar cell, a battery charger, a computer/power supply, a CFL/LED light, or even those up to100K FM stations nearby whose signals all combine in the cheap amplifier in your existing antenna.
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Also, is a preamp always needed for cable runs of 50 plus feet?
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No. It's only needed if the signals coming off the antenna's terminals are too weak to otherwise make it through all distribution cabling and into the tuner with sufficient remaining strength for reliable operation.
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Or is it more complicated than that?
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Yes. Much more. Amplifiers are often viewed as a panacea for all reception ills. They are not. Amplifiers, when needed, should be selected for the appropriate combination of input noise, gain, and how they behave in the presence of strong signals. There are only a few amplifiers that do everything very well as amplifiers are always some sort of compromise.