WTB: DMM Selection Advice (time sensitive) Keithley 2015 / HP 34401As

[jasonbrent]

Folk,

I'm looking to get my first "real" DMM that isn't a handheld. I've found a couple up on ebay, but I'm having a hard time selecting the most viable choice. I'm not affiliated with these auctions... just seeking some advice on which one of these to choose. I checked the rules before posting this and hope this is a reasonable fit.. if not, this can be moved/deleted.

#1 - https://www.ebay.com/itm/HP-Agilent-Keysight-34401A-DIGITAL-MULTIMETER-Calibrated/202183631248
The seller has raised their price, but I have an outstanding "offer" I can accept at $390 + $20 shipping. This one appears to be in reasonable shape, dim display (lighting?), no accessories, and "calibrated".

#2 - https://www.ebay.com/itm/HP-Agilent-34401A-Digital-Multimeter-6-Digit-Tested-Spot-on-Very-clean/323001144622
Agilent branded, so slightly newer, appears to be in great physical condition, tested with lower quality gear according to the pictures, but seems to be ok, comes with some accessories of some quality. Seller is more clear in the description, which is good. Seller doesn't appear to be willing to negotiate, so it's about $100 more than #1 when shipped....

#3 - https://www.ebay.com/itm/HP-Agilent-34401A-Digital-Multimeter-6-Digit-Tested-Spot-on-Very-clean/322999326029
Same seller as #2, HP branded. Similar condition as #2... slightly lower price point but still ~$80 more than #1.

#4 - https://www.ebay.com/itm/Keithley-2015-6-1-2-Digit-THD-Multimeter-DMM-Tested-/253369704119
Keithley 2015 - Appears to be in reasonable condition.. definitely more expensive than the others, benefit of a potential local pickup.

... for a first "quality" DMM, I'm leaning towards #1, although the cleanness of #2/3 is appealing... and the keithley is a wildcard.

Thoughts on what is the best choice to add to the bench?

Thank you for any advice.

Jason

[rsjsouza]

I personally have a soft spot for the 2015, mainly because it has a very nice and clean signal generator integrated into it for Audio distortion measurements. The possibility of local pickup is also a bonus given you can always evaluate the unit at the moment and re-negotiate if there is anything out of the order.

Otherwise, the 34401A is quite a decent meter as well - only watch out for faded out VFD displays (the "calibrated one" seems to have the worst of the bunch).

IMHO you can't go wrong with any one of these units.

[jasonbrent]

I personally have a soft spot for the 2015, mainly because it has a very nice and clean signal generator integrated into it for Audio distortion measurements. The possibility of local pickup is also a bonus given you can always evaluate the unit at the moment and re-negotiate if there is anything out of the order.

Otherwise, the 34401A is quite a decent meter as well - only watch out for faded out VFD displays (the "calibrated one" seems to have the worst of the bunch).

IMHO you can't go wrong with any one of these units.

Thank you for the input!

I recently picked up a keithley 238, so I'm tempted to go with the 2015. My biggest holdup with #1 is the display, fixable for around 60 bucks... but at that price, 2 or 3 makes more sense.

*EDIT*: Went with the Keithley...


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