Best antenna?

[ISP911]

Hey folks,

Rather than scroll through the 1000 or so messages here.. (call me lazy) I thought I'd pose to the forum, what's the best antenna to use? Here's my scenario:

2 story house with antenna in attic (appease the wife, please the neighbors)
already have the Audio/Visual guys running RG6 from attic to basement for me (new build, just finished framing)
probably running a Stridsberg muticoupler in the future
wanting to run 780XLT, 796D, Pro-2006, and several handhelds
money not really an option although I'd rather stay under $100.00
rural area although I'd like to be able to monitor neighboring agencies as far as 25-30 miles away
primary interest MILCOM and FEDCOM with Chicago about 1 1/2 hrs away.

All honest opinions and suggestions considered.. jokes and snide comments will be smirked at and disregarded

Thanks in advance!

 

[SAR923]

If you can fit it in your attic, a Scantenna would be both cost effective and work well. Just do a search here on Scantenna and you'll find lots of information.

 

[LukeB]

Anyone have a comparison between the scantenna and the diamond d130j antenna? Looking for all band coverage.