Best antenna combo to use with MFJ-1026

[Need2Know]

My objective is to reduce the noise floor in several short wave bands.

With the antenna configuration described below, I'm not yet receiving the results I want - a significantly lower noise floor. I am not able to ID the noise sources, whether atmospherics (unfixable) or nearby point source noise.

I currently use an MLA-30 active loop antenna 12' high in my courtyard. It performs well.

The secondary "noise sensing" antenna connected to the 1026 is a rain gutter antenna (RGA) . It pulls in slightly less well than the loop, and is somewhat noisier.

With this antenna combination I'm not yet able to significantly reduce my noise floor with the MFJ-1026 noise reducer box.

What do you guys think a better noise sensing antenna might be for my MFJ1026 to accompany my main MLA-30 active loop to substitute for my current RGA as noise antenna?

My contraints: A very small courtyard back yard and an HOA.

The RGA itself is noisier than I would like and is likely a contributor to poor results.

I either need to improve my noise antenna or my noise sources aren't significantly addressable by the 1026.

 

[Need2Know]

Given that most who comment on this topic on other sites suggest "experimenting" because every situation is different, I bit the bullet and just ordered a second MLA-30 powered loop as recommended by MFJ. I'll be testing it out within a couple of weeks.

I am happy with my original MLA-30 reception.

This 2nd MLA-30 will be mounted about 6 feet lower than the original and about 10 feet away. So that will fit the criteria of this "sensing" antenna picking up a bit more noise than signal compared to the main/original antenna.

I don't know if 10 feet between them is enough distance, but I'll find out soon.