The 1026 only works in very specific circumstances; switch mode battery chargers and plasma TVs in neighbouring properties can often be completely phased out. However, noise radiated from overhead power and phone lines is another matter. I have a 1026 and rarely use it.
The most effective antenna I have is a simple PA0RDT active antenna mounted in the corner of the garden furthest away from the house wiring. No need to spend much, all the parts cost under $20 and it only uses 2 transistors. The most expensive part is a ferrite ring to decouple the feedline.
Others use equally simple rotatable loop antennas, again home made.
On my PA0RDT antenna, mounted at only 7 feet, I can hear USA hams on 160m, SAQ on 17.2 KHz, lots of stations up to 20m. Plus broadcast stations, etc.
You can listen to an SDR using a PA0RDT antenna in Holland:
http://websdr.ewi.utwente.nl:8901/Building instructions:
https://www.qsl.net/g4aon/pa0rdt_aa/73 Dave