I've been experimenting with SDR# and SDRUno using both the SDR Play and the RTL SDR v3 with both a scanner type discone antenna and a 15' vertical. No matter which combination of hardware and software I use the scanner antenna performs better than the vertical on SW frequencies much to my surprise. Seems to pull in more stations and definitely has lower noise.I also plan to try a horizontal long wire (75' or so) when the weather permits strung roughly north to south about 12-15 feet above ground. Would a balun help reduce noise on either the vertical or horizontal? Would an earth ground help on either? All suggestions welcome.