Audio Systems/extending antenna

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Expert: - 1/7/2011


Question
Hi-

I recently upgraded my home stereo system and moved my old receiver (Mitsubishi M-VR400) to my garage. I am no longer able to pick up my favorite radio station and I think part of the problem is that I have white metal liner on the walls and ceiling. The antenna looks like speaker wire (it worked in the house and came with the receiver) and I would like to extend it up through the walls and into the garage attic to see if that helps with reception. Is this antenna wire a special type of wire? Or can I just take thin speaker wire and extend the antenna?

Thanks,
Jim

Answer
Yes, you can use just about any insulated speaker wire.  A long wire antenna usually works very well in cases like this for AM reception.  Less well for FM but try it anyway.  You may have to experiment a little to get best results.

For FM an inexpensive antenna can usually be picked up at Radio Shack or some dollar stores, but based on your description it seems you are receiving AM radio.

Best Wishes.  

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Cleggsan

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Audio Design Engineer; systems, loudspeakers, cd/dvd players, etc. I am knowledgeable in all high end audio equipment and installations. MAKE SURE YOU GIVE A MAKE AND MODEL NUMBER AND CAR IF IT IS AN AUTO QUESTION. Note: I am getting some who ask good questions that take a lot of time to research but then the questioner fails to read the answer. Please don't ask questions unless you are seriously looking for an answer. If you find an answer to your question otherwise then let me know with your reply. Thank you.

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Have been associated with audio design, standards, testing and component systems for over 40 years.

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Life Fellow Member of Audio Engineering Society Life Senior Member of Institute of Electronic and Electrical Engineers

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Review technical manuscripts for IEEE Spectrum Write occasionally for high-end audio publications

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BSEE/MSCS/MBA

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Past Employee/advisor to several well known audio products manufacturers

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