Problem solved. I'm going with the BM235 after watching Joe Smith's review on YT. That the meter is fairly bullet proof is important. Since I'm semi retired I'm not doing as much design and mods on HIFI tube gear any more this my be the last meter I need so it will be nice if it lasts.
BTW - the BM869S may be obsolete? The company is out of stock on it. Can't tell. I was looking for that, too but probably don't do enough work to justify it.
If I want BT for data logging or remote reading I can pick up one of the cheaper BT meters. One on Amazon for $25.
I can't thank you enough for all the info you posted, which I chased down over the last few days. I had no idea so many people are into test equipment to the degree that they need a support group to deal with an addiction.
I just needed to replace my Fluke 77 which I bought when they first came out. Still works but is on shaky ground because the switch got mucked up.
After all this research about meters I was caught up in worrying about features on a DMM that I may not ever need. Early onset TEA?
My background:
My pre-teen first voltmeters were my father's Simpson (141?) and an EICO VTVM, first scope an EICO 427 kit in the 1960s. Did TV repairs in the early '70s, vacuum tube audio design from 84-present (New York Audio Labs, Moscode, Sansui) and still do some repairs and upgrades. I have a Leader 35mhz 2 ch scope, Leader Audio osc and a distortion mtr, 2 ch ACVM and a Crown IM dist meter, a few tube checkers (one I manufactured and sold the SSTC and a Hickok TV7 I never use) and I've had them since 1984. I'm a very analogue guy. If it ain't broke down completely keep it going.
It would be nice to replace all this with much smaller equipment but not necessary. Outside of an O-scope I can't find any similar items made today. I'll check the forum.
Music is my first love and I hold a Masters in Jazz and perform regularly as I have most of my life, 20 years in NYC. I'm on a few records with Houston Person and Etta Jones on bass.
Again thank you to everyone who helped.
George Kaye