Size or Height?

[GADGET71]

If you had your choice would you get a bigger antenna or raise the height of your existing antenna in attempt to get a better signal?  

What is a standard height for an ota antenna from the ground up? What height would you recommend?

Last, what is the purpose of an Antenna Standoff vs. using cable ties to secure cable to the mast?

Gadget71
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Mitsubishi 55809
Samsung TS-151
Mitsubishi AV Receiver
Phillips Mant900 OTA Antenna
Winegard 8700 preamp
Charter Cable(non HD)
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vaporizer

[GADGET71]

OK so I may have answered my own question.  I purchased a larger antenna, same brand Phillips, but this one is a monster compared to my old one.  I put it up at the same height.   I had to change to a slightly longer RG6 cable between the preamp and the antenna's 75 ohm lead( from about an 8" length of cable to 6 feet).   This antenna is rated for UHF at 60 miles and my old one for UHF at 40 miles, So guess what....

I notice really no difference in signal strength on my Samsung Ts151 receiver on all my madison stations.  And I can't pull in the Milwaukee PBS stations at all while pointing toward Madison as I did with the smaller antenna.  SO was it worth $20 more and my hard labor to get it up there?  

WOuld I be better off getting a UHF only antenna like the CM 4228 or can I improvise and use the UHF portion only of my existing antenna(or will this reduce signal strength?)?  

I am slightly irritated now, any suggetions would be appreciated.

Gadget71
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vaporizer review

[GADGET71]

Well at least I keep replying to myself?

I decided to pull down the larger antenna, go back to the smaller one temporarily, and order the CM 4228 from Warren Electronics.  Hopefully with this antenna I will notice some improvement.  I heard that using a preamp with this antenna would be a detriment, but can't understand how?  

GADGET71
_____________
Mitsubishi 55809
Samsung TS-151
Mitsubishi AV Receiver
Phillips Mant900 OTA Antenna
Winegard 8700 preamp
Charter Cable(non HD)
________
magic flight launch box