Spectrum Analyzer, which one to get?

[Bicurico]

Indeed.

Investing in a Spectrum Analyser does not stop with the purchase of the device itself!

You have to consider buying a lot of tools, too:

1) DC Blocker
2) External switchable attenuator (prices go from around 50 Euro to infinite, according to specs)
3) Cables (kind of stupid using bad cables on such an expensive device - especially if low quality cables attenuate or distort the signal you want to measure - this gets increasingly expensive, the higher the frequency)
4) Adapters: you get N-type connector, but want to measure a DUT with SMA, F, whatever connector... Get adapters!
5) The N-type connector of your spectrum analyser is not exchangeable. Wear it out and you have a problem. Best to get a connector you screw onto it, which acts as a sacrificial connector.
6) Probes: I am not into measurements and certification of electronic boards, but if you want to carry that out, you need probes.
7) Get a cover, bag, whatever to avoid your precious instrument from accumulating dust.
Signal generator
9) Noise generator
10) Power meter (wish I had one)
11) ...

Cheers,
Vitor

[Electro Fan]

Hi. I've been looking to get a Spectrum Analyzer.
The choices at this point are:
Used Anritsu MS2721B
Used Rohde & Schwarz FSEA30 20Hz to 3.5GHz
New Rigol DSA832E-TG
New Siglent SSA3032X
All include the Tracking Generator
Trying to get something with an LCD display and stay around $2500 give or take
Any ideas or advice? Thanks

Pretty late to this thread and there are definitely newer models that might have longer useful lives but HP / Agilent had a few LCD models with some pretty good specs.

https://m.ebay.com/itm/HP-Agilent-Keysight-8560EC-007-Spectrum-Analyzer-2-9GHZ-Wth-30-Day-Warranty-/191899485592?hash=item2cae19c598%3Ag%3ADbQAAOSwPCVX7aNg&_trkparms=pageci%253A4c3f7429-a3e3-11e7-8511-74dbd1804dbc%257Cparentrq%253Ac5de39e515e0abc2e0e98027ffdb4cd5%257Ciid%253A12