Rigol DSA 815-TG vs Rigol DSA832E with TG

[spongella]

Am trying to decide which of the above to purchase and would like your opinion.  Is there any advantage in getting the 3.2 GHz model over the 1.5?  For the test bench I'd think the 815 (with the TG)  would be the best choice for routine testing of HF/VHF/UHF radios and the cost is much less too. Thank you.

[Bicurico]

1) The bigger the supported frequency range, the better! Note that many useful measurements incide on harmonics. If you are measuring a DUT at 700MHz, you may be interested to take a look at the 3rd or 4th harmonics - 2.1GHz and 2.8GHz. A spectrum analyzer that only reaches 1.5GHz may be limited - ultimately it really depends on your desired applications. Of course, if you are just into HF/VHF/UHF radios, then 1.5GHz might be more than enough.

2) Why go Rigol? You can purchase the Siglent SSA3021XPlus and then hack it into a SVA1032 - a full feaured SA/VNA up to 3.2GHz, at around 1.500 Euro (+VAT).

Regards,
Vitor