Daniel,
I'm a bit of a noob, but I have been playing with with various transceivers in receive mode for a few years.? For what it's worth, I can tell you that regardless of the unit, your going to need more antenna to get decent reception.? Even if it's just taped to the ceiling where you live.? Up in a tree is better.? If it's for receiving only, you can use any cheap wire of any size.? Short antenna and bad band conditions = no reception.
Do this and I think you'll be pleased.
