distortiometer Sound Analyzer 1700B

[Stefanoo]

Hello Guys,

at the end i decided to equip my laboratory.
I have bought a Tektronix 475A.
Now i'm looking for a stable wave generator and by looking through the many post on the forum i came across to a post that was talking about the Sound Analyzer 1700B which has built in it a low noise wave generator.

On ebay the price for this item is not too high.
Unfortunatelly this type of instruments, i suppose, need to be calibrated and Sound Technology is giving a flat rate of $1000 for standard calibration service (woow!!).

I'm wondering, speaking of PC BASED SYSTEM, IF a pogram as Audio Tester or ARTA could replace a sound analyzer as such.
I know that this program can calculate the distortion and can be used as wave generator.

What are the real difference between an istrument as a sound analyzer and a program as audiotester, for example?
What are the reciprocal limitations?
If sound analyzer that has proven not to be an oscilloscope replacement, indeed, can be considered as wave gen and distortion analyzer.
If so, i don't even bug buying any other bulky and expencive tool (even thought i like bulky things 'cause they give me the feeling of real things).


Thanks a lot for the attention.

Best,
Stefano.