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It’s quite annoying to sit down and start your favorite movie or begin watching a game only to have interruptions in the TV signal. One of the easiest solutions is to invest in a TV antenna preamplifier to decrease pixilation and maybe even gain a few more channels.
Channel Master has a variety of different solutions. Today, we will look at two from the Titan 2 range, the Channel Master 7777 vs Channel Master 7778. We will look at all of their specifications including size, signal pass, and mounting. You will be able to find a comparison chart for a quick recap and some pros and cons. We will finish up with our final decision on the best preamplifier.
We will begin with the features of the Channel Master 7777 and the Channel Master 7778 that are the same.
Channel Master 7777 vs 7778 – Similarities
Quick Glance
We will review the specifications of the Channel Master 7777 and the Channel Master 7778 in the following side-by-side chart.
Channel Master 7777 | Channel Master 7778 | |
Image | ||
Size | 3.25 x 7.75 x 5.25 inches | 3.25 x 7.75 x 5.25 inches |
Weight | 1lb | 0.75lbs |
Uses | TV and Radio, weak signal areas | TV, moderate signal areas |
Low Noise | Yes | Yes |
Input/Gain | VHF 30 dB and UHF 30 dB | VHF 16 dB and UHF 16 dB |
Switchable FM Trap | Yes | Yes |
Impedance | 75 Ohm | 75 Ohm |
Installation | Indoor and outdoor with outdoor rated housing | Indoor and outdoor with outdoor rated housing |
What’s Included | Power inserter, power supply, 6ft coaxial cable jumper, hardware (mast mounting U-bolt), instruction sheet | Power inserter, power supply, 6ft coaxial cable jumper, hardware (mast mounting U-bolt), instruction sheet |
Warranty | 90-days | 90-days |
Price |
Appearance
Both the Channel Master 7777 and the Channel Master 7778 are black with input and output connectors and the Channel Master logo. They are 3.25 x 7.75 x 5.25 inches. The Channel Master 7777 weighs 1 pound and the Channel Master 7778 0.75 pounds, but this wasn’t enough to influence our decision.
Low Noise
There is no need to worry about any buzzing sound coming from the Channel Master 7777 and the Channel Master 7778. Both of these preamplifiers are low noise.
Switchable FM Trap
With a switchable FM trap, the Channel Master 7777 and the Channel Master 7778 can trap radio signals before they leave the antenna and before they are amplified.
Impedance
The Channel Master 7777 and the Channel Master 7778 have an impedance rating of 75 Ohm, which is fairly standard for this type of equipment.
Installation
The Channel Master 7777 and the Channel Master 7778 can be installed indoors or outdoors. They have heavy-duty housing which is rated for outdoor use. It has a rubber weather seal, RF shielding to protect against interference and both the preamplifiers, and the power supply is heat resistant up to 140ºF.
What’s Included
There is everything you need in the boxes of the Channel Master 7777 and the Channel Master 7778. You will receive a power inserter and power supply. It comes with a 6ft coaxial cable jumper and an instruction sheet. In terms of hardware, they come with a mast mounting U-bolt for mounting.
Value for Money
It’s not often that we look at two products that have the same price tag. They are good value for money, however, the 90-day warranty that comes with the Channel Master 7777 and the Channel Master 7778 is a little short.
There are just a couple of differences between the Channel Master 7777 and the Channel Master 7778, and we will cover these now.
Differences Betwee Channel Master 7777 and Channel Master 7778
Uses
Aside from using the preamplifiers to boost your signal quality, they are also a very good solution for multiple TVs. This is because splitting the signal obviously weakness the amount that reaches each TV, so the amplifiers can help those who have more than one TV in their homes.
Channel Master 7777
It can be used for television and radio signal. The most important thing is that it is an amplifier for weak signal areas.
Channel Master 7778
This is designed for boosting TV signal in moderate areas.
The Winner Is- A Tie
Read next – Channel Master 3671 vs 5020: Which Antennas is Better?
Input/Gain
Again, this is related to the use and the signal strength of your area.
Channel Master 7777
It has a VHF gain of 30 dB and a UHF gain of 30 dB.
Channel Master 7778
The VHF gain and the UHF gain is both 15 dB.
The Winner Is- A Tie
Read next – Channel Master 7777 vs Winegard 8275: Which TV Antenna Preamplifiers are Better?
Pros and Cons
Because the Channel Master 7777 and the Channel Master 7778 are so similar, the pros and cons below might allow us to decide which one is better.
Channel Master 7777
Pros:
- Increased number of channels found
- It can pick up good pictures from stations at least 50-60 miles away
- Easy mounting on your antenna
Cons:
- Channels occasionally drop out
Channel Master 7778
Pros:
- It’s a safer bet for not over amplifying stronger signals
- It is also easy to install
- Quality build and materials
Cons:
- It doesn’t always improve picture quality
The Final Verdict
There are a few things that impressed us about the Channel Master 7777 and the Channel Master 7778. First, the size and installation are great. It is very easy to set up and the materials make it perfect for wet weather and/or hot temperatures. In so many ways, the preamplifiers are the same, even the pros and cons will apply to both. For this reason, it is impossible to choose a winner today because it very much depends on your needs.
It is essential that you check the signal strength in your area before you choose between the Channel Master 7777 and the Channel Master 7778. It is not a case of buying the more powerful amplifier in the hope that you get even more channels and better picture quality. If you choose the Channel Master 7777 in an area that doesn’t have a week signal, you risk overamplifying and this can lead to poorer quality and even losing some channels that you had before. Once you know what signal strength you have, you can choose either the Channel Master 7777 or the Channel Master 7778 and you won’t be disappointed.