If you are comparing a modern Sangean 909 with an older rig, you cannot
really expect to "get any more" stations on one or the other, basic
sensitivity s not and has not been an issue for many years. I put my
DX-440 up against my Kenwood R-5000 with identical antennas and the
DX-440 "got" every weak signal that the Kenwood did. Of course, the
Kenwood blew the DX's doors off in selectivity and strong-signal
capability, and this test was done with intentionally small antennas. My
usual antennas in those days were sloping single-ended wires, 50' at the
high end and running up to 70' long, not including the lead-in. I also
had a 90' Windom dipole (coax-fed) and two Alpha-Delta 60' sloper
dipoles. Your location may well require at least a minimal outdoor
antenna of some kind if you cannot receive anything well enough.