Looking for a vector network analyzer for audio circuits

[tomchr]

Yes, I am currently mostly interested in Bode plots, THD and noise measurement would be a nice to have.

An external sound card will do that. Focusrite makes some good ones. The lowest cost one is around $150 AFAIR.

I am just trying to avoid getting something and then finding out a few years later that I need some fancy extra functionality.
Always get a bit more then what you need.

+1 for the QuantAsylum QA403 then. It's incredible value for the money.

Tom

 

[jackinnj]

I doubt you're going to find a lot of utility with a VNA unless you're doing a lot of work on filters, power supply stability, complex impedance analysis. The QuantAsylum should be fine. I love my Bode-100, but it is a specialist instrument. (They are working on the Bode-500)

In the US it's not difficult to find a legacy instrument like a HP3577, 35670 or Stanford Research.

 

[tomchr]

There are also companies who specialize in used test equipment. You can find them through Used-Line and the like places. https://www.used-line.com/

Tom

 

[JoeAlders]

View attachment 1318470

https://quantasylum.com/collections/frontpage/products/qa403-audio-analyzer

See if this fulfills your needs. I have one and have found it extremely versatile. It has quite remarkable performance for the price. It comes with very usable and free software to help with most measurements.

That "free software" is puzzling me. Can I use that software on my desktop running a Linux operating system? Did some googling but I could not find and answer on my
question. Perhaps you can help me?

 

[jan.didden]

This is what it says at your link:

The software runs natively on Window 10 and 11, but has also been run natively using Mono under Linux. Other versions of Windows may work, but are not tested. If you aren't sure about your platform, post a question on the FORUM.

See https://forum.quantasylum.com/t/sol...vice-device-and-software-work-on-windows/1214 .

You may also check the QA website.

Jan

 

[U102324]

The old HP stuff runs in basic operating system and communications is HP-IB. you would need an old HP desktop computer as well, not convenient. like hp 9816, which was still 8 maybe 16 bit.

 

[JoeAlders]

This is what it says at your link:

The software runs natively on Window 10 and 11, but has also been run natively using Mono under Linux. Other versions of Windows may work, but are not tested. If you aren't sure about your platform, post a question on the FORUM.

See https://forum.quantasylum.com/t/sol...vice-device-and-software-work-on-windows/1214 .

You may also check the QA website.

Jan

Thanks Jan! Much appreciated.
Joe.

 

[JoeAlders]

B.T.W. Did a look at an American supplier and was shocked by the difference in price with respect to a European supplier.
U.S.A is by far lower in price.

 

[jackinnj]

The old HP stuff runs in basic operating system and communications is HP-IB. you would need an old HP desktop computer as well, not convenient. like hp 9816, which was still 8 maybe 16 bit.

There are still copies of HP-Basic floating around the WWW.

I programmed the HP3577 to run RIAA compliance. (But I have no idea where I stored the program!)

Stanford Research machines easier to program.

 

[tomchr]

You can talk to any equipment with GPIB/HPIB using an adapter: https://neurochrome.com/pages/gpib-control

Tom

 

[jackinnj]

That's same controller (Prologix) I used.

 

[Calvin]

Hi,

if its just about Bode Plots, some modern Oscis will do a fairly good job ... for example the Siglent series, from the 8Bit SDS1000x-E to the 12Bit HDs SDS800/1000/2000/3000 all offer a elaborated Bode functionality.

jauu
Calvin