Is a hacked DHO800 an upgrade from a Siglent SDS1104X-E? I'm interested in the HDMI output + smaller form factor (small workspace) unless it's a bad trade-off in some way or another.
That depends a lot on which functionality is important to you. Here's my take:
Clear advantages of the DHO800:
- Smaller form factor, USB-C supply (if powerbank operation is of interest).
- Nicely implemented touch interface (plus classical controls and the dual multi-function knobs).
- 12 bit resolution -- not so much for lowest-level noise, but dynamic range, e.g. in FFT.
Clear advantages of the Siglent (if relevant to you):
- Logic analyzer upgrade possible -- although via somewhat expensive external unit with some limitations.
- Bode plots, if you have an external Siglent function generator.
Both functions would require you to get a DHO9xx or DHO9xxS if you want them in the Rigol series.
Philosophical/debatable differences:
- The scopes differ in various details, regarding their trigger, protocol decoding and measurement options. No clear winner here in my opinion, but it's worth checking the datasheets if some particular functionality is important to you.
- UI design is a matter of taste, I'd say. Siglent fans will argue that the restrained and space-saving design of the Siglent UI is more functional and professional; Rigol fans will argue that the Siglent layout and fonts look a bit old-fashioned and that they find it easier to get their bearings with Rigol's visual cues. Look at a few still pictures and/or Youtube videos to see whether you have a strong personal preference there.