Looking for an oscilloscope for tube amp repair and came across these Siglent, looks like they have pretty good reviews. Does this seem like a good starter scope to use for tube amp repair? I would rather not mess with old Tektronix analog scopes thats probably have problems. Looks like with the 4 channel model you can add a waveform generator as well.
SDS1202X-E | Siglent
SDS1104X-E (100 MHz) | Siglent
SDS1202X-E | Siglent
SDS1104X-E (100 MHz) | Siglent
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For tube amp work, either model would be more than enough in terms of bandwidth. 2 channel would be adequate. If the scopes don't come with probes (I think they do) be sure to get probes that will work with those models of scope. Not all probes work with all scopes.
I think they come with x1... also the 4 channel scope can use a waveform generator for !59 the Siglent sells. I saw a post somewhere about some decent x100 probes that were like $90, can't find the link anymore, think it was off aliexpress. I didn't realize how expensive they are the ones Siglent sells are like $400 or $500 😱
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Hi,
while a2-channel scope certainly suffices for audio work, You will notice that You begin to happily use the additional channels of a 4-channel scope.
The Siglent 4-channel differs from the already very good 2-channel version in that it features Bode plotting capabilities and the web server.
The first is especially easy and comfortable to use in combination with a Siglent function generator like from the SDG1000 or SDG2000 series.
The second allows to remote control the scope and working with a larger Display.
That can be quite handy as most of the writings on the internal display are very small.
The 100MHz 4-ch doesn't cost a lot more than the 200MHz 2-ch and can be 'unlocked' to 200MHz and all the additional functionality like serial decoding quite easy.
Besides the added functionality the 4-channel scope comes with 2 more probes than the 2-channel version. The probes are decent 1:10/1:1 switchable probes that suit to the scope very well, even when unlocked to 200MHz. No real need for more expensive upgrade probes.
Rather I'd invest (later on) in differential and current probes.
Both scopes offer alot for their cost and are certainly worth every penny.
Though costing more I think the 4-channel wins the edge in price-performance ratio.
jauu
Calvin
while a2-channel scope certainly suffices for audio work, You will notice that You begin to happily use the additional channels of a 4-channel scope.
The Siglent 4-channel differs from the already very good 2-channel version in that it features Bode plotting capabilities and the web server.
The first is especially easy and comfortable to use in combination with a Siglent function generator like from the SDG1000 or SDG2000 series.
The second allows to remote control the scope and working with a larger Display.
That can be quite handy as most of the writings on the internal display are very small.
The 100MHz 4-ch doesn't cost a lot more than the 200MHz 2-ch and can be 'unlocked' to 200MHz and all the additional functionality like serial decoding quite easy.
Besides the added functionality the 4-channel scope comes with 2 more probes than the 2-channel version. The probes are decent 1:10/1:1 switchable probes that suit to the scope very well, even when unlocked to 200MHz. No real need for more expensive upgrade probes.
Rather I'd invest (later on) in differential and current probes.
Both scopes offer alot for their cost and are certainly worth every penny.
Though costing more I think the 4-channel wins the edge in price-performance ratio.
jauu
Calvin
I also have an 1104X-E and it has been a good investment. The probes are 1X/10X and 100 MHz. The upgrade does get a real 200 MHz but the probes aren't quite there. I have an assortment of Tek P6062B and the improvement is clear, but for most tasks not an issue.
For tube work you must get probes with a higher voltage rating. These look to be a great deal: 2pcs HANTEK CE Probes Oscilloscope Scope Clip 100:1 Max 2000v DC High Voltage | eBay The Tek equivalent is way more $$$.
For tube work you must get probes with a higher voltage rating. These look to be a great deal: 2pcs HANTEK CE Probes Oscilloscope Scope Clip 100:1 Max 2000v DC High Voltage | eBay The Tek equivalent is way more $$$.
There is one major downside to most of the 4-channel oscilloscopes on the market, and that's that they have one vertical gain control knob and buttons to select which channel it controls. I find this to be less than ergonomic. The Tektronix TDS2024 is one of only a handful of 4-channel scopes that don't suffer from this issue. They aren't bad scopes at all, but they're probably not worth the ridiculous prices they go for.
The extra bandwidth of the 1202X-E may or may not be of value. If you play with digital or RF circuits, it's pretty nice. If all you do is audio, it's probably of zero significance.
The extra bandwidth of the 1202X-E may or may not be of value. If you play with digital or RF circuits, it's pretty nice. If all you do is audio, it's probably of zero significance.