[Formerly YB-2]

Not difficult to believe that a recapped and aligned MR74 would sound better than an MR88. Have spent many hours listening to what is essentially an MR88 without the bells and whistles (which is the TM2 module in an MA6600). Once the refurbished MR80 (recappped and aligned) arrived the TM2 was rarely listened to and only out-performed the MR80 when storms created static/noise in the signal and HD was cleaner. Whatever you decide, get a decent antenna and mount it as high as possible. Am using a pair of FM-6 yagi (log periodic) antennas in the crawl-space above the ceiling in my house and works great. While an ST-2 may work for you, a yagi would work considerably better as it actually has gain and the ability to be pointed to maximize the reception.