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If you need a boost in your TV reception, a preamplifier or signal amplifier to improve picture quality and possibly gain some extra free channels. Also, this small piece of equipment will enhance your signal when you want to add additional TVs to your home setup.
Today, we will compare two amplifiers from different brands, the Channel Master 7777 and the Winegard 8275. We will consider their size, gain, effectiveness, and value for money. After going over the specifics, we will include a side-by-side chart and some pros and cons of each to determine which is the better choice to improve your signal.
There aren’t many similarities between the Channel Master 7777 and the Winegard 8275. We will start with these.
Channel Master 7777 vs Winegard 8275 – Similarities
Quick Glance
The comparison chart below gives a quick recap of the Channel Master 7777 and the Winegard 8275.
Channel Master 7777 | Winegard 8275 | |
| Images |  |  |
| Size | 3.25 x 7.75 x 5.25 inches | 5 x 9 x 5 inches |
| Weight | 1lb | 1.5lbs |
| Uses | TV and Radio, weak signal areas | Amplify digital sounds |
| Low Noise | Yes | Yes |
| Input/Gain | VHF 30 dB and UHF 30 dB | VHF 29 dB and UHF 28 dB |
| Frequency Range | Not stated | 88 MHz to 108 MHz |
| Switchable FM Trap | Yes | Yes |
| Impedance | 75 Ohm | 75 Ohm |
| Installation | Indoor and outdoor with outdoor rated housing | Indoor and outdoor with zinc housing |
| What’s Included | Power inserter, power supply, 6ft coaxial cable jumper, hardware (mast mounting U-bolt), instruction sheet | 6ft coaxial cable, power supply |
| Warranty | 90-days | 90-days |
| Price |
Uses
The Channel Master 7777 and the Winegard 8275 can be used to amplify digital sounds in weak areas. They can improve the strength of VHF and UHF as well as FM signals so you may notice better radio clarity and maybe more stations.
Low Noise
It is important to choose a low noise signal amplifier to reduce interference and for less disturbance. The Channel Master 7777 and the Winegard 8275 are both low noise signal amplifiers.
Switchable FM Trap
Choosing an amplifier that is too powerful can have a negative impact on the channels that you already have, know as overamplifying. The Channel Master 7777 and the Winegard 8275 have switchable FM traps that should help to prevent overamplifying the FM signal.
Impedance
The Channel Master 7777 and the Winegard 8275 have an impedance of 75 Ohm, which is fairly standard for a signal amplifier.
We will now move on to what separates the Channel Master 7777 and the Winegard 8275.
Differences Between Channel Master 7777 and Winegard 8275
Appearance
It’s not like this is of huge importance as the signal amplifiers will probably be out of sight.
Channel Master 7777
This is a black preamplifier that measures 3.25 x 7.75 x 5.25 inches. It weighs just 1 pound.
Winegard 8275
It is also black but a little larger. Overall, the signal amplifier is 5 x 9 x 5 inches and weighs a little more at 1.5 pounds.
The Winner Is- The Channel Master 7777
Input/Gain
The gain is the amount of signal strength you can expect to gain when the amplifier is connected.
Channel Master 7777
You can expect a 30 dB gain with both the VHF and UHF signals.
Winegard 8275
The gain for VHF is 29 dB and for UHF, 28 dB.
The Winner Is- The Channel Master 7777
Installation
You can install the two amplifiers indoors or outdoors.
Channel Master 7777
It comes with heavy-duty housing with a rubber seal so that it is protected against moisture. The housing and power supply can withstand temperatures of up to 140ºF.
Winegard 8275
The amplifier is cased in zinc housing.
The Winner Is- The Channel Master 7777
What’s Included
What comes with the signal amplifier adds to the value for money and the setup as it does help if everything you need is included.
Channel Master 7777
You will receive a power inserter, power supply and a 6ft coaxial cable jumper. It also comes with a mast mounting U-bolt and an instruction sheet.
Winegard 8275
In the box, you will find a 6ft coaxial cable and power supply.
The Winner Is- The Channel Master 7777
Read next – Channel Master 7777 vs 7778: Which TV Antenna Preamplifiers are Better?
Value for Money
Signal amplifiers will range greatly in price but on average, they can cost between $45 and $80.
Channel Master 7777
It is slightly more expensive but only by about $10 and still around the middle of the average price range. The 90-day warranty is a little disappointing.
Winegard 8275
While the amplifier is cheaper, it doesn’t come with everything that the Channel Master 7777 comes with. It also comes with a 90-day warranty.
The Winner Is- The Channel Master 7777.
Pros and Cons
We will finish up with some pros and cons of the Channel Master 7777 and the Winegard 8275 before our final verdict.
Channel Master 7777
Pros:
- Excellent range
- It’s very easy to mount with all you need included
- It’s better value for money
Cons:
- Sometimes a channel will drop in and out
Winegard 8275
Pros:
- Good improvement on the signal strength
- Improved picture quality
- Once you have the right angle, you can get lots of free channels
Cons:
- There has been a little too much unreliability, especially with a great signal at first and then channels disappearing
The Final Verdict
There is one last thing that you should be aware of before choosing either the Channel Master 7777 or the Winegard 8275. There are plenty of negative reviews from people who say that the signal amplifiers made no difference or even made their TV reception worse. Aside from researching signal amplifier, you also need to research the broadcasting towers in your area. The Channel Master 7777 and the Winegard 8275 are for weak signal areas. If you try to install them in areas with moderate signal strength, you might have the opposite effect.
The winner today is the Channel Master 7777. There have been a lot fewer issues with loss of channels and the quality of the picture. The housing is superior, making it more durable and it comes with the hardware to mount it. The Channel Master 7777 is definitely worth the extra few dollars.