Is there any possible way to make those stupid wire antennas on stereos work any better?

Question

MY stereo antenna has never really worked well no matter if I put it in a window or what. And now it won't even get the stations that it usually gets. Is there any way to fix or improve it's performance? Or is it just an oh well thing?

Answer 1

I went to radio shack, bought a fm antenna, not that expensive, works great!!!!

Answer 2

with any antenna,  there are only three rules.  BIgger, HIgher and Farther awway.  Keep the antenna up in the air, away from walls, wiring metal objects etc. and rotate it for best reception.  

Answer 3

I assume that the antenna you are referring to is for FM reception.  These signals travel best using line of sight.  Get that antenna up in the air so the signal dooesn't have to travel through walls ,trees ,neighboring buildings or aluminum siding.(why people try to receive signals through metal is beyond me)

Either extend the leads using flat twin lead tv antenna wire,or replace the antenna with a directional (if you need long range) or omnidirectional FM or VHF TV antenna.  Get it to the ceiling (or attic or even rooftop if possible)

Hooking to an outdoor tv antenna is my favorite quick fix to reception trouble, if this option is open to you.

Oh . . . if your trouble is a poor tuner you may be out of luck  The best antenna wont help a lousy tuner very much.