Reception issue - height or length

[djk44883]

This isn’t exactly what you’re asking, here’s an old post excellently explaining antenna/distribution amp vs preamp

Commercial skip

In a generalized fashion, the job of a preamp is to amplify the signal at the antenna in order for said signal to have sufficient power to traverse a long feed line to your distribution point. The job of an amplifier is to amplify the signal prior to splitters and long household runs of cable. ANT–>PreAmp/ LTE Filter (If needed)---->Cable run to Amplifier(if Needed)–>Splitters–>Tuners PreAmplifiers are intended to be as close to the actual antenna as possible- usually directly on the antenna …

Ultimately, either can only work with the signal your antenna receives. They can’t actually improve reception of a misplaced antenna.