VR-500 with Degen DE 31MS Active Loop.

I have tried this combination with excellent results on the Amateur bands.
It even works well on 160 Meters! My loop is slightly modified though, as it didn't peak on 80 Meters. The modification is simple, you just need to add about 20" to the length of the loop. As this makes the loop larger, t works better all round but it won't peak any higher than about 16MHz.
It doesn't overload the VR-500 like a long wire antenna does and it gives you a decent degree of preselection.

Well worth a try.
I have modded a BNC plug to accept a 3.5mm jack plug, so the loop plugs straight in.

73,
Ian G1DRP