Hi Paul, the thing with pre-amps is that they need to be installed as close to the antenna as possible...Also, cable length plays a huge part in your overall results as well. The longer the cable run, the fewer the results...Now, it also depends on the quality of cable. I am using LMR400 which is considered to be "very good", is still somewhat flexible, and can accomodate a PL-259 connector perfectly. I wanted to use LMR600 cable, but it starts getting very stiff and hard to work with. A good quality cable, kept as short as possible will yield the best results...
I get such good results because I have a huge height advantage compared to most people.
Jason