Topband: Non-resonant receive antennas

[Paul Elliott]

On a 120' x 120' electrically noisy city lot in SE NM I am considering, for
receiving, attempting to maximize S/N ratio on DX signals by a method I have
not seen discussed.  

As far as I can tell, the noise, while quite strong, is not coming from any
discrete source/sources.  My ear, which certainly can be fooled, tells me a
signal from an antenna on the ground (if it is strong enough to be heard
without a preamp) has a higher S/N ratio than on any of my present antennas
(2 short 10' x 20' Ewes, a 12' diameter untuned loop, and a 100' foot endfed
wire about 2' off the ground next to a fence). 

Would putting two antennas on the ground, using a preamp on each, fed to a
phasing unit, offer any possibility of an improvement over what I now have?

My transmitting antenna, a semi-inverted L, is detuned by a relay opening
the connection between the antenna and the coax. 

Any information would be greatly appreciated.  

Paul W5DM