What is the best hackable scope to buy these days under $5K

[dimbmw]

Hi
Just wanted to get some opinions before purchasing a scope.
Budget is <$5K
4 channels is a must.
Key is to buy something that benefits greatly from the hack in terms of bandwidth , sampling rate, features (ie has same hardware in cheap and expensive variations)
Thanks

[tautech]

Very generalized question as the required feature set has lots to do with an acceptable selection.

To 500 MHz SDS2104X Plus is hard to beat.
SDS5000X models are running a free BW upgrade promo which boosts a $5,689 SDS5054X to the 1 GHz SDS5104X.

[Fungus]

Cue the resident Siglent salesman in 5... 4... 3... 2... oh wait! He's already here!

[tautech]

Cue the resident Siglent salesman in 5... 4... 3... 2... oh wait! He's already here!

Please suggest alternative models you have experience with or piss off ! 

[Fungus]

Normally you'd start by ask questions like "What will it be used for?", etc., before recommending anything. 

[tautech]

Normally you'd start by ask questions like "What will it be used for?", etc., before recommending anything. 

Already hinted at:

Very generalized question as the required feature set has lots to do with an acceptable selection.

But really, what can't a modern DSO do ? 

[nctnico]

Normally you'd start by ask questions like "What will it be used for?", etc., before recommending anything. 

Already hinted at:

Very generalized question as the required feature set has lots to do with an acceptable selection.

But really, what can't a modern DSO do ? 

Some can't zoom-out after an acquisition for example. The world is bigger than Siglent so jumping in as the resident Siglent salesman and offering no useful information at all is helping nobody.

The OP should really consider use cases and then look at what is most suitable. There is no use buying a scope which can do a million things except for what the OP needs most. Likely buying several (cheaper / used) scopes instead of one gives a better coverage compared to buying 1 expensive scope. Nowadays it is easy to pick up a used >1Ghz scope for less than $1k from Ebay. With some patience you can pick up a relatively modern Lecroy (running Windows with USB ports) and hack it to get a boat load of analysis features that makes anything else out there look pale in comparison. OTOH such a scope is likely not the best choice for everyday bench use.

[Fungus]

But really, what can't a modern DSO do ? 

Exactly!

When you want to spend $5k on a 'scope you usually have a very specific need in mind, otherwise there's not much point in spending more than $2k.

For $5k you're looking at active probes and all the rest of it. Best to get some details on what it will be used for, in what environment, etc.

'Scopes in the $5k bracket generally aren't hackable Chinese 'scopes like Rigols and Siglents.

If the OP simply wants to spend a lot of money on a really nice 'scope then maybe something like R&S is the way to go.

Nowadays it is easy to pick up a used >1Ghz scope for less than $1k from Ebay. With some patience you can pick up a relatively modern Lecroy (running Windows with USB ports) and hack it to get a boat load of analysis features that makes anything else out there look pale in comparison. OTOH such a scope is likely not the best choice for everyday bench use.

This, too. For $5k you can pick up a used 'scope that cost $25,000 a few years ago. Businesses pay through the nose for cutting edge features and those devices depreciate real fast.

[tautech]

But really, what can't a modern DSO do ? 

Exactly!

When you want to spend $5k on a 'scope you usually have a very specific need in mind, otherwise there's not much point in spending more than $2k.

Quite so.

For $5k you're looking at active probes and all the rest of it.

Which is exactly why I suggested the SDS5000X range.

Best to get some details on what it will be used for, in what environment, etc.

Again, already asked for and until the OP defines his needs we're all guessing.

[AaronLee]

'Scopes in the $5k bracket generally aren't hackable Chinese 'scopes like Rigols and Siglents.

I was just about to type a reply, when I noticed you just posted that.

My question would be first, which scopes are hackable? Rigol and Siglent are the two I'm aware of. Not sure about GW Instek. Are there others? If the OP definitely wants a hackable scope, it greatly limits the field right there.

[Bud]

Keysight. There are topics on this forum for 1000x and higher 2000x,30p0x,4000x models.

@OP depending on how high you want to step up in terms of upgrades, you may need to add hardware to the scope. Some scopes may have same PCBs as their lower priced siblings but the PCB is not populated with parts.

[2N3055]

This is a unusual question...

For 5000 USD you can buy fantastic scopes (new and used) that don't need hacking.

Keysight. There are topics on this forum for 1000x and higher 2000x,30p0x,4000x models.

@OP depending on how high you want to step up in terms of upgrades, you may need to add hardware to the scope. Some scopes may have same PCBs as their lower priced siblings but the PCB is not populated with parts.

I would argue that mechanical disassembly, soldering on the board and all other kinds of equipment changing except just software changes cannot be considered "hacking" in a sense of word...

I would have hard time recommending something worth 5000 USD that needs soldering and physical changes, that can easily damage it permanently, to a unknown person of unknown skillset.

On Keysight 3000 and 4000, software changes that convert 100>200 and 350>500 MHz and open all options are hacks, that are easy and low risk as those on other scopes. Everything else is not for the fainthearted.

But as I said, for 5000USD, you can buy a lot of scope without hacking of any sort...

OP needs to explain his request better. Otherwise it's shooting in a dark....

[tv84]

Budget is <$5K
4 channels is a must.
Key is to buy something that benefits greatly from the hack in terms of bandwidth , sampling rate, features (ie has same hardware in cheap and expensive variations)

Just to add my 2 cents on how broad this definition is, I'll say that practically ANY new scope within those parameters is "hackable".