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SDS5034X vs SDS2104X Plus

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Sueco:
Hi,

After 20 years as a professional designer I would like to finally have a "proper" oscilloscope, with LA and AWG. I work mostly designing industrial controllers and power inverters, so entry level scopes have been enough, even though with no few struggles. At the moment I use a Rigol DS1054z which is by far the best I ever had, so you can imagine that almost anything will be an improvement for me. The MSO5074 has excellent value for money, given that's now on offer here at 750€, however its low maximum bandwidth and other caveats have made me steer into either the SDS5034X or SDS2104X Plus. I know the fancy stuff is going towards 12bits, however if I really require that degree of dynamic range I guess I'd get something like a DHO800 or DHO900 in the future.

The question is that the SDS5034X is more than twice the price of the SDS2104X, and comparing both fully upgraded the differences aren't so big, since the former might be able to reach a BW of over 750MHz and the latter might get stuck on 500MHz if I got my info right, however the sample rate is noticeable higher in the SDS5034X and I guess the overall build quality will also be better. So my question is, and I'm aware I'm asking a subjective question expecting an objective answer, is the SDS5034X worth it the money compared to the SDS2104X Plus?

To try to have some objective criteria, I'd consider worth the investment if it outperforms the newer model in every or most specs, like bandwidth, sample rate with all channels on, LA sample rate, memory depth, etc... Otherwise I'd stick with the cheaper alternative. I've checked most of the specs and it doesn't look like the SDS5034X is a clear winner, however also taking into account the general feel, responsiveness and firmware stability, then maybe it's worth its price.

If somebody has used them both or has used either and could help me make my mind would be great; sometimes experience, however subjective it might be, teaches more than anything else.

Thanks and best regards

tautech:
Welcome to the forum.

General notes:
5000X are of a 1 GHz design whereas 2000X Plus is a 500 MHz design
5000X offer all the same features as 2000X Plus but with these added features:
Active probe support.
5 GSa/s vs 2 GSa/s.
Deeper memory with additional memory management features.
Individual channel vertical controls.

SDS5104X was my main DSO for some years. Is it a better choice for your needs, only you can decide.
Good luck with your choice.

Sueco:

--- Quote from: tautech on September 27, 2023, 06:42:22 pm ---Welcome to the forum.

General notes:
5000X are of a 1 GHz design whereas 2000X Plus is a 500 MHz design
5000X offer all the same features as 2000X Plus but with these added features:
Active probe support.
5 GSa/s vs 2 GSa/s.
Deeper memory with additional memory management features.
Individual channel vertical controls.

SDS5104X was my main DSO for some years. Is it a better choice for your needs, only you can decide.
Good luck with your choice.

--- End quote ---

Many thanks for your insights, I was aware of most, but not all, of these advantages, in particular I didn't notice the deeper and better memory. The higher sample rate might come in hand when probing several channels, I don't know if I'll ever require active probes, but it's certainly better to have that option open. The SDS5034X will never reach the full 1 GHz even with full upgrades, according to what I've found, however I think it will outperform the 500 MHz of the SDS2104X fully updgraded, I guess it's luck of the draw how high it will go, no assurances given when pushing a device beyond the manufacturer's specs. I'm leaning more on the 5000X now, in the end I hope I'll use it for many years so it might very well be worth the investment.

Thank again and best regards!

tautech:
~950 MHz is the limit with earlier 5kX mainboard designs however testing such requires better equipment than most have.
I have not seen recent reports if the early PCB's are still being used so maybe it is now possible to get to 1 GHz with latest 350 MHz models.

Both models use 2 ADC's which for 5kX with 5 GSa/s will support full BW whereas 2kX Plus gets channel BW limits of 350 MHz applied when 3 channels are active. < Little things that can matter to some.

Martin72:
The SDS5000X was the first touchscreen scope from siglent, who knows how long it will be supported.
Currently it is still the "biggest" scope from the "X" series, because of the 5GSa/s and the most memory.
Unfortunately, there is no crystal ball that can predict whether the SDS3000X HD will be available on the western market.
If that were certain, I would first buy the inexpensive SDS2104X and wait for the 3000X HD.
This would offer 12 bit, 400Mpts maximum memory and still 4GSa/s and also up to 1Ghz bandwidth.
I would add to the points mentioned by tautech compared to the SDS2104X:
- Average and Eres implemented on the hardware side.
What I consider a big advantage, you do not "sacrifice" a math channel for it ( and they are very scarce with 2 channels (in both models).
But there would be another alternative, if you don't need more than 500Mhz.
The model which I have, a SDS2104X HD.
12 bit, 500Mhz max, 200Mpts, Eres and Average also on the hardware side, will soon have 4 math channels, has digital filters as math function, looks fancier.... ;)
The 2104X HD costs about the same as the 5034X.
I was faced with a choice last year when the 2104X HD came out and decided to go with the newer 12 bit scope.
Before that I had the SDS2104X, which I still think is the best scope in the price range and beyond.

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