This sale is for a very scarce McKay Dymek DA9 amplified ferrite AM broadcast band (medium wave 530 - 1900 KHz) receiving antenna.  You see these classic DA9 amplified ferrite antennas appear on Ebay from time to time, but not often and this was partially due to the limited distribution and relatively high selling price over $129 in 1979 and with the ferrite head elements purchased separately.  This unit comes with the DL4 element for the AM broadcast band that sold for $69.00.  Thus, the total price for this antenna with supplied element would have costed $198.00....or about $940 if purchased in 2025 when corrected for inflation.  

We have sold about 6 of the DA5 and 4 of the DA7 antennas which also grab mediumwave signals.  This is only our 2nd time to offer this very scarce DA9 antenna and the previous time was back in 2015.... ten years ago.  Due to the relative scarcity of this antenna, we do not have much documentation on this particular antenna, but it closely resembles the DA7 and so we are providing documentation for that antenna for you to use and enjoy.  We believe that this antenna was likely sold in very limited quantities.  

What is the difference of the DA9 over the previous DA5 and DA7 antennas?  Well, unlike the other antennas sold as a complete assembly, the DA9 was sold as a two-part ensemble with the base and the choice of attaching head purchased individually depending upon coverage desired for the head.  This DA9 supplied here with the DL4 ferrite tuning head covers from 530-1900 KHz.  Previous DA5/DA7 antennas would only cover up to 1600 KHz.  Thus, this DA9 with the DL4 ferrite head enables you to capture the entire span of the mediumwave broadcast band.

McKay Dymek was founded in the late 1970's by George McKay, W6WKG.  It appears his overall intent was to make shortwave and AM radio equipment that was attractive enough to blend in with home audio gear, and also to bring Hi-Fi reception quality to AM and shortwave radio listening.  Because his equipment was not cheap, McKay became the only modern radio company to offer its products on the rental / installment plan.  McKay Dymek had management experience in high-fidelity sales and they created AM and shortwave receiving equipment that looks comfortable in a living room or alongside component high-fidelity equipment.

When you look at this DA9 antenna, you will see that it has the classic "look" of Hi-Fi equipment of that era with black front panel and teak wood side panels....similar to many of the Hi-Fi receivers and amplifiers from the late 70's and early 80's.  This classic appearance is sought after by Hi-Fi aficionados.  

This particular antenna is used, but in great overall condition and a beauty showing minimal marks from use and nothing to really catch your eye when examining it.  Operationally, there are only 3 controls and thus it is easy to use.  You have the typical on/off switch, and when powered on, you can adjust sensitivity with another knob.  Finally, you tune the antenna to match your radio's receiving frequency.  We have a personal DA9 and we always leave the sensitivity at the maximum which means that in most situations you are only tuning the antenna to match the receiving frequency and then rotating the ferrite for maximum signal strength....very easy to do.  

The antenna has been tested and works beautifully.  While the antenna was designed by McKay Dymek to be connected to a home stereo system, we connected the antenna to a communications receiver and tuned up and down the mediumwave band in our shop.  However, we do want to point out that this antenna is amplified, and as we discovered with our shop LED lighting, you will need to be aware of household RF noise that can be picked up, amplified, and introduced into your radio receiver.  To use this antenna properly, you may need to scout around your household and turn off LED and fluorescent lighting, the computer, the microwave oven, the TV, dimmer switches, etc to achieve maximum signal gain with minimal interference from RF noise. McKay claims that the ferrite is shielded to prevent RF noise, but we found that we were still required to take action to reduce interference.

It is worth mentioning that this antenna can also be connected to an antique tube radio that generally requires an outdoor antenna for good reception.  What a joy it is to operate the DA9 with an old tube radio and watch the DA9 act like a much larger antenna, but in a compact footprint.  We use our personal DA9 with a depression era Philco cathedral tube radio in our work shop.  The Philco radio requires a long wire antenna, but we use our DA9 to pick up distant signals without the need for running a long wire outside our home to enable the radio to perform as it should.  

Thus, this antenna has a range of uses outside what one may consider to be its normal application with a home stereo.  Perhaps you have an antique tube console, cathedral, or tombstone radio that would also benefit from an antenna such as this.  

The DA9 antenna comes with the base (containing the amplifier and matching circuit), the DL4 ferrite antenna element (530 - 1900 KHz), 

AM radio broadcast enthusiasts will appreciate that this antenna will enable them to hear signals that they otherwise would miss.  And just as important, unlike a wire antenna, this antenna can be both rotated and tilted to improve directional signals will nulling other unwanted signals.  The combination of amplifying a desired signal while attenuating an undesirable signal is very attractive for both the DXer or for that person wanting a distant broadcast of their favorite talk radio station, music station, or athletic event.

According to the Dymek brochure for the DA5 (and applies to this DA9 antenna):

"makes a startling, and sometimes unexpected, difference in the enjoyment of AM radio.  It increases audio quality by reducing electrical interference (such as that from TV, lights, and appliances) well below audible levels.  It seeks out and strengthens weak signals for clean, even, reception.

The DA5 is manufactured in the United States by the leading manufacturer of high fidelity AM receiving equipment.  Extraordinary care is taken in the design and construction to provide the listener with the finest AM receiving instrument available.

Providing the dedicated AM listener his greatest opportunity to hear everything he tunes for on the AM band is the single dedication of the Dymek Company."

Further, in the DA7 brochure, Mackay describes the antenna's features as this:

"The DA7 International Antenna is a shielded ferrite rod, bi-directional, indoor antenna covering from 150 to 300 KHz in the long wave band and 540 KHz to 1605 KHz in the AM broadcast band. The ferrite rod is shielded to eliminate electrical interference from television sets, fluorescent lights and appliances, allowing cleaner more noise free reception.  The tuning control provides for precise selection of incoming signals.  The head can be rotated and tilted to strengthen desired signals and to null out unwanted signals or noise.  The sensitivity control provides attenuation to prevent overloading from strong local stations." 

Please use the Ebay shipping calculator to determine your shipping cost.  This cost includes proper packing materials for safe delivery and insurance cost against damage or loss.

Those buyers living outside the USA are also welcome to purchase from us.  We have shipped to 113 countries during the past 26 years on Ebay and we are happy to ship virtually anywhere in the world as served by Ebay's Global Shipping Program (which unfortunately excludes many countries in Europe due to strict customs requirements).  You may use the shipping calculator to determine your shipping cost.

Thank you for taking the time out of your busy day to look at our Ebay items!