It may just be the oldest “live” review on this site. I started doing reviews for Solid Signal in early 2012, but most of those devices are long-since obsolete. On the other hand, Solid Signal still sells this LNA-200 preamplifier and it’s a consistent winner. I first reviewed it in the fall of 2013. Why does it still hold up after all these years?
Power for the price
Even though everything has gone up in price, this little amp has actually gone down. Take a look at this listing from 2014, and you’ll see what I mean. We routinely beat that price in daily deal sales now. You can’t tell me there’s a lot of things that actually go down in price, especially lately.
This little amplifier produces strong gain all the way across the TV spectrum, from channels 2-36 and beyond. You’ll find the most amplification at lower frequencies, which is common with amps like this one that lack slope compensation. However, typical gain in the usable frequencies is 16-18dB and tops out at 20dB. That’s enough to compensate for about 300 feet of extra cable. Remember, that’s the purpose of a preamplifier: to provide a bump in signal without introducing high levels of noise, so that you can have a longer run to the TV.
Speaking of noise, this is one of the lowest noise amplifiers on the market, with a 1dB noise figure in the sweet spot of channels 14-35 where most of the broadcasts are. So, you get the benefit of strong signal without introducing excess noise which can kill digital signal reception. Seems like a win win to me.
Ease of installation
This amplifier straps to a mast with the included zip tie, and its power injector is compact and will run off any USB power source, even a TV. You get everything you need for an easy installation, and once installed, you won’t even see it from a distance. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it part that just works, year after year.
Like all preamplifiers, RG6 cable with a solid copper conductor. This sort of cable is hard to find at home stores so make sure you stock up at Solid Signal. This more costly cable is needed because of the power required for the preamp. If you use inexpensive cable, you’ll probably underpower the amplifier and it won’t work the way you want it to.
Durability
I don’t have the amplifier I tested in 2013. I gave it away to a contest winner. But I do know someone with an amplifier of similar vintage. Not only is it still working, the only way you’d know it wasn’t brand new is the layer of dust you’ll find on it. That’s pretty amazing for a device so inexpensive.
Chalk it up to Winegard’s long-term philosophy of quality. There’s a reason they company has been in business since the early days of television. They’re one of the very few companies that hasn’t been sold over and over. Even better, they’re still US-owned and operated. That’s not something you can say very often.
Shop for antenna accessories at Solid Signal
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