Agilent U8903A vs. Audio Precision

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wrenchone

wrenchone

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Joined 2004
#1
I'll be making a choice on an instrument sooner or later for measuring distortion. I already have an 8903 and an old Sound Technology analyzer, but was thinking of something more up to date. I am intrigued by the U8903A, Agilent's updated version of the 8903, but also realize that the Audio Precision analyzers are an industry standard. Comments? Experiences?
 
#2
I love my APx525. I have no regrets. The APx software is an absolute joy to use.

I'd shy away from the older AP boxes. Some of them (the SYS-2700 series, for example) are still supported by current drivers and software. Some are not. The software for the SYS-2700 is awful, which is a shame as the hardware is great.

Tom
 
#3
I agree that the SYS2722 software (current AP2700 3,3) is less intuitive than the APx series, but it is closer to the hardware.
Also don't forget that the 2722 was, until now, the lowest distortion unit of the lot. The recently introduced APx555 B-series apparently is now the lowest but at a premium price.

I have no experience with the 8903 series. It also depends on your needs: if you need to publish your results for marketing/sales purposes, a plot with the AP logo still commands respect, in general.

Before I got my 2722 I used a dScope Series III for years, very nice unit, sort of me-too AP, similar in operation, but half price. Attractive if your needs are met by -110dB test floor.

Jan
 
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#4
An APx555 is really expensive, the U8903B is also as expensive: Keysight U8903B High Performance Audio Analyzer - TestEquity Depending on how you will be using them there are other options if the distortion performance is your goal, some for a lot less money. Also depends on whether its hobby, occasional development use or core business. The HP looks to integrate well with RF test systems (where the real money is). They both seem like gross overkill for Bluetooth testing but again, that's where the money is.
 
#5
If I got either of these platforms (Agilent or AP), it would be on the used market. Prices are below 5k for used platforms. I noted Jan's comment about the "respectability" factor for using AP for your measurements... I'll be getting a gain-phase analyzer before a distortion analyzer anyway, as I need that a lot more.
 
#6
The Audio Precision System One's analog analyzer has phase measurement from 10Hz to 204kHz. If you need something that goes to 15MHz, AP Instruments (not related to Audio Precision) is another option. HP has several options which measure phase that goes to several hundred MHz to GHz but majority of them have 50ohms input only with a few that come with 1 Megaohms. You can buy the 1 Megaohm to 50 ohm converter but they are rare and expensive.

I have these systems.
 
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#7
wrenchone said:
If I got either of these platforms (Agilent or AP), it would be on the used market. Prices are below 5k for used platforms. I noted Jan's comment about the "respectability" factor for using AP for your measurements... I'll be getting a gain-phase analyzer before a distortion analyzer anyway, as I need that a lot more.
Click to expand...

Bode 100. Every household should have one. ;-)

Jan
 
#10
I'll be getting a HP4194A, which does both impedance and gain-phase out to 40 MHz. I've had one in the lab at work for over 25 years, so I'm very familiar with it. The machine is built like a tank. The little GPIB Think Jet printer connected to it is similarly rugged. The analyzer is a monster, but I don't need to be putting it into my back pocket, after all.
 
#11
I gave up my RF work in the 70’s and my work in mostly in audio range. I value my AP’s for most of the work. I do my GAIN PHASE WORK the old way Generator & Scope, while using a Network Analyzer, like an older HP (battle ship) to take up most of the bench, the BODE 100 would be nice however for >$6700 with accessories is not a tool I would use daily, and the return on investment is poor.

There are others similar network analyzers for more and less $$. I have to say that the newer analyzers offer greater measurement’s tool box and GREAT DATA DOCUMATION tools.
Duke
 
#15
Duke
My preference for the 4194A has nothing to do with RF. A lot of the projects I'm working on cross over at 3+ MHz, and I have a current feedback headphone amp that will be lots zippier than that. I need to make sure that 0dB crossover happens without incedent, and I need to check higher frequencies to make sure that the gain doesn't pop above 0dB again farther down the pike.
 
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