Favorite DMM under 2k  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Nuke
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 06, 2020, 11:03:43 pm
content: Just wondering what everyones favorite dmm under the $2,000 mark is. Im trying to decide between the fluke 8846a, keithley dmm6500, and the Keysight 34461A. Any others? These seem to be the most popular from the research I have done. Right now as far as meters go I have a fluke 117, 289, and 52-II thermometer.

author: DaJMasta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2020, 12:03:58 am
content: I've only used the 34461A of those, but I'm at least familiar with the specs of the others/seen them in use.DMM6500 without question of those three.The others are fine meters, but I don't they compare with the featureset and interface of the current generation Kiethley meters.

author: ebclr
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2020, 12:20:25 am
content: Ask for a demo of DMM6500, and you simply forget the 34461. This meter is awesome

author: Nuke
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 07, 2020, 12:31:49 am
content: wow lot of praise for the keithley. you guys would pick it over the fluke 8846a?

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2020, 12:42:05 am
content: On paper the DMM6500 looks like the best option. If it where available earlier I probably would have gotten one instead of the 34461A.Forget about the 8846A; the design is too old and even the 34461A is a better choice.Still my daily driver DMMs are a couple of VC8145 which costs around $150.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2020, 12:53:46 am
content: Quote from: Nuke on January 07, 2020, 12:31:49 amThe fluke is 8 years old and costs significantly more. Unless there is some spec the Fluke has that you need, I'd rather have the color touchscreen.The amount of things you can do directly on the dmm6500 is impressive.

author: DaJMasta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2020, 01:30:25 am
content: A used 8846A or Keithley 2000 or 34410A are a similar class, in my mind, even if the specs are a bit different. Again all good meters, but good meters at <$500, not ones I'd purchase for full price new. The GUI and graphical display of newer meters is really a significant advantage of the current-generation meters, and while the 34461A is perfectly serviceable and responsive, the newer model Kiethley meters are more responsive, more programmable, more straightforward to use, and ultimately more powerful.

author: unitedatoms
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2020, 01:38:03 am
content: I chose Fluke, do not remember exact reason other than company name. Software wise, it was easy to acquire data over network.If it is an old design, then it does not bother me, perhaps the reference inside it older, and aged well, which is good.

author: Nuke
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 07, 2020, 01:45:31 am
content: wow.. okay.. well as of now seems like i am going with the keithley. thanks guys.

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2020, 01:49:47 am
content: Quote from: thm_w on January 07, 2020, 12:53:46 amI would gladly pay more to avoid another bloody touchscreen, they're everywhere and I hate them. I tolerate a touchscreen on my phone because it's the only practical way to interact with that device but everywhere else they annoy me. My otherwise excellent HP laserjet has a stupid touchscreen awkwardly stuck to it and it gets in the way, the viewing angle is not great, I bump it and cause it to think I pressed a button, its glossy and gets all smeared up with fingerprints. An old fashioned alphanumeric display and physical buttons would be infinitely preferable to me.

author: TheSteve
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 07, 2020, 01:54:56 am
content: If you want a rock solid 6.5 bench meter I'd get the 34461A. If you want a meter with tons of toys that might crash now and then get the 6500.

author: Nuke
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 07, 2020, 02:35:33 am
content: to be honest idc to much for touchscreen either. I am just looking for the highest resolution and highest accuracy meter i can get for about 2k or less that is reliable and covers all the measurements in this range of meters.

author: DaJMasta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2020, 03:02:30 am
content: If you just want accuracy... why limit yourself to 6.5 digits? A used Keithley 2010 is in budget with cal cert on ebay.

author: HKJ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2020, 05:47:44 am
content: I have all 3 and my preferred bench meter of them is the DMM6500. Only disadvantage is that it can only do 3A on the front, but I love the front mounted cheap fuse.

author: Berni
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2020, 06:32:59 am
content: My favorite one is still a Keyithey 2015I picked one up when i happen to come across a good deal (Someone was dumpling a rack full of these on ebay) and its a great daily driver meter that does everything pretty well without any obvious downsides.I also have the Agilent one around and the good thing about that is having trend charts built in and having modern connectivity like LAN. But otherwise i don't really like using it. Just the boot time alone is annoying and then everything just feels slow about it. Haven't used the modern touchscreen Keythleys, the reviews seamed pretty nice tho.

author: blacksheeplogic
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2020, 07:26:27 am
content: Quote from: Nuke on January 07, 2020, 12:31:49 amI do not like my 8846A and I would not purchase it again, I regret not having gone with the 34461A. The biggest issue for me is the lack of touch hold.

author: Berni
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2020, 08:49:44 am
content: Quote from: blacksheeplogic on January 07, 2020, 07:26:27 amI do not like my 34461A and kinda regret buying it. Only reason it is sticking around is modern connectivity, trend charts and a 10A current range.But i do like my Agilent U1273A handheld DMM and would buy another one if it broke.The reason people like Keyithleys is mostly the speed. They aren't really much better than the competition in terms of specs or anythyng, but they do usually offer a lot of readings per second at high digit counts and fast auto ranging. This also made them popular in automated test racks. So Keyithleys tend to feel more responsive than other meters.(But don't take this as a solid rule, others can make fast meters too when they really try and there are some newer Keithleys that are kinda meh like the 2100)

author: HKJ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2020, 09:04:31 am
content: Quote from: Berni on January 07, 2020, 08:49:44 amI would say the ability to easily graph voltage using high sample rates is also a significant factor on the DMM6500

author: montemcguire
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2020, 09:26:50 am
content: I like the Agilent / Keysight 34461A a good bit. Sure, the internal reference isn't insensitive to time or temperature, but it does a really good job at the end of the day, and it provides a lot of short term usable resolution and stability that allows me to make good decisions on the bench, beyond simple volt-nut stability and resolution games. I used it recently as a series ammeter, measuring the external power supply hold-up current of an external supply, used when I was hot-swapping a lithium battery on an HP 54720D scope, and it just behaved properly with no special thought. This is the kind of test equipment that I like - it just behaves well, and gives me ridiculously high resolution data that is also reliable, so I can make good decisions on the fly that I might not have planned on making.Another voltmeter that I like a lot is the HP 3456A, but it does not have a current measurement facility, and the reference is not as stable as the absolute best references available now. Still, one can find the 3456A for sometimes really short money, and it's a great meter for 4 wire resistance measurements, as well as high quality voltage measurements. I've hoarded a few of these, and while these are getting sorta old and in need of a re-cap and general maintenance, refurbishing them is not all that tough.

author: voltsandjolts
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 07, 2020, 10:24:10 am
content: +1 for DMM6500It does crash every so often but you forgive it because its a joy to use.

author: Grandchuck
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2020, 02:36:31 pm
content: I am happy with my 34465A.

author: HighVoltage
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2020, 03:19:04 pm
content: I have / had several of each and they all have their place in the lab.Still my most used DMM is the 34401A, then the 34410AThe Fluke 8846A has very nice specs but the display is horrible and started to fade on two meters although not used too much. Parts are very difficult / impossible to get, so I sold them and will never get one again.The Keysight 34461A is rock solid and you will have no issues but it has a little drift over one year.If you want it a little more stable DMM for highest accuracy, get theKeysight 34465Athat does not cost too much more. My 34465A has virtually not drifted at all since I have it. And the ACAL function works extremely well.The Keithley DMM6500 is also a nice DMM but still has some software issues and crashes from time to time and thermocouple temperature measurements are still having an issue on mine. The last firmware update was a good improvement but not perfect!

author: maxwell3e10
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2020, 04:29:56 pm
content: In terms of voltage noise 34461A/34465A are much better than DMM6550 and even 7510.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2020, 11:10:04 pm
content: Quote from: james_s on January 07, 2020, 01:49:47 amThats fine if you want to use it remotely or purely for digits get the Agilent, which is at least price competitive to the 6500.But I wouldn't hate on it until you've tried it, on a modern DMM or scope, not a laserjet printer.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 08, 2020, 12:41:05 am
content: Quote from: blacksheeplogic on January 07, 2020, 07:26:27 amYep that's a pretty basic requirement when you've shelled out a good amount of dosh on a key lab instrument.

author: AVGresponding
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 08, 2020, 05:51:28 pm
content: I'm surprised it doesn't have it, my ancient 8840 does

author: idolclub
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 08, 2020, 09:47:06 pm
content: Under 2K, Keysight 34465A is a good choice, more stable and accuracy than DMM6500.

author: blacksheeplogic
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 09, 2020, 04:58:15 am
content: Quote from: ThickPhilM on January 08, 2020, 05:51:28 pmYes, I made the same assumption as well.

author: JonM
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 09, 2020, 05:17:28 am
content: I got my 34465A for 1251.90 in April 2018. I added the DIG and MEM options. I believe that the MEM option is now standard so adding just the DIG option would have been US$1611. I spent an additional $224.10 on the now included MEM.You should be able to get a 10% discount from a Keysight distributor if you ask.

author: Martin.M
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 09, 2020, 11:58:00 am
content: I use a restorated Fluke 8300A, also a 8500A, a Keithley (relabeled DANA) 5900,and a HP 3456A.

author: exe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 09, 2020, 02:18:05 pm
content: BTW, who had experience with K2000, DMM6500 and a KS/Agilent/HP DMM? I wonder which one has the greatest usability and why. I heard KS are better, but details where not provided.One thing I don't like about DMM6500 is that it shows digits without thousands separators (like "123 456 789" vs "123456789"). Separation makes reading on KS much easier for me.Also, DMM6500 is deep and has always-on fan and consumes power even when off.

author: Berni
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 09, 2020, 07:23:46 pm
content: In terms of bench DMMs i have used the Keithley 2002 2015 2100 2750 and the HP/Agilent 34461A 34401A 3458A 3478AFrom all of them my pick for a daily driver is the Keithley 2015.Id love to play with a Keithley DMM6500 tho. I would buy a discounted used one if i had the chance, but the full list price is too much for me (But is still excellent bang for buck even at full price).

author: MikeP
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 09, 2020, 07:51:37 pm
content: I have 6500 and 34461. Both are great products. And I love both of them. But! The 6500 has exceptional capabilities in measuring low resistances. 6500 is a modern product. Of course. Unfortunately, 6500 is noisier. Acoustically and electrically ...The main thing. Later you will want 7510 ... And then 3458 ...

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 09, 2020, 10:44:07 pm
content: Quote from: exe on January 09, 2020, 02:18:05 pmDepends entirely on where and what you are using it for. If its panning and zooming graphs, setting up complex triggers/buffers, its going to be the 6500. If its basic reading of voltage/resistance, maybe KS is better.Separator is a good point, although I do not have issue with that personally.Sleep power consumption, also a good point, it uses 6W:https://lygte-info.dk/review/DMMKeithley%20DMM6500%20UK.htmlBut again personally not an issue as I have a power strip that goes to all my test equipment that gets shut off when its not in use. Some smart strips might exist as well to do this.Quote from: Berni on January 09, 2020, 07:23:46 pmThe euro price was sooo low, but looks like the sale is over for nowhttps://www.distrelec.de/en/benchtop-multimeter-trms-ac-dc-ac-100-ua-10-dc-10-ua-10-keithley-dmm6500/p/30108747.Local distributors had no interest in price matching that sale (808 EUR, our regular price here is 1050 EUR! huge difference).

author: Berni
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 10, 2020, 06:15:24 am
content: Quote from: thm_w on January 09, 2020, 10:44:07 pmYeah it shows 950 EUR as the price for me, still a good price, but im not that much in the need of yet another multimeter. I might grab it when i see one show up on ebay for half the price(They are still too new to show up on the used market).Its my usual strategy for name brand equipment like Keysight, Keithley, Tek...etc since buying it brand new can cost a serious amount of money. A lot of my gear still carries HP badges, but it gets the job done despite being 40 years old (Tho usually with a lot of fan noise and keeping me nice and warm in winter).

author: TheSteve
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 10, 2020, 07:51:19 am
content: Keysight just listed three used 34465A's on ebay for $1080.80 each or best offer - not a bad deal at all, and they will usually accept a little less too.

author: beanflying
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 10, 2020, 08:48:57 am
content: Based on my post Keysight Cals of my 34461A and 34401A I would concur with HighVoltage on the 34401A being the more stable. There is only maybe a couple of PPM in it for a 10+C swing in temperature but it is there and measurable.Unless you 'need' the bells and whistles save the $ and grab a 34401A instead on going more modernIf your budget is $2k or bust then have fun with your new shiny toy

author: Kleinstein
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 10, 2020, 09:25:25 am
content: There is one more feature in favor of the 34461: it uses digital RMS calculation as opposed to the classic analog RMS chip. This gives much faster response in the AC ranges. It depends on the usage if AC performance is important.

author: Trader
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2020, 07:27:35 am
content: 6-½ digit DMMs: Agilent/Keysight 34461A vs. Keithley DMM6500

author: 2N3055
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2020, 07:59:18 am
content: Quote from: Kleinstein on January 10, 2020, 09:25:25 amNot only faster response but more importantly, it is more accurate and linear at low end of AC ranges because it doesn't use log/antilog RMS AC converter chip.for 34401 : For sinewave input > 5% of range. For inputs from 1% to 5% of range and < 50 kHz, add 0.1% of range additional errorfor 34465 : Specifications are for sine wave input > 0.3% of range and > 1 mVrms.34465 also has extended current ranges (1 and 10uA), ohm ranges (1 GOhm), has digitizer and advanced triggers.. etc..But, it is up to the user do decide whether it is important or not.

author: exe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 04, 2020, 08:27:55 am
content: Quote from: Trader on February 04, 2020, 07:27:35 amThis youtube channel doesn't instill confidence in fair comparison.

author: HKJ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2020, 08:56:21 am
content: Quote from: exe on February 04, 2020, 08:27:55 amBelieve in a completely fair comparison when one brand compares their equipment to another brand would be rather silly.

author: fcb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2020, 12:46:21 pm
content: 34465A over DMM6500. I've used them both and bought the 34465A. If you can stretch, the 34470A is nice if you need the extra digit.

author: exe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 04, 2020, 03:12:32 pm
content: Quote from: fcb on February 04, 2020, 12:46:21 pmWhat are the reasons?

author: fcb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2020, 04:59:51 pm
content: Quote from: exe on February 04, 2020, 03:12:32 pmThe display appeared less jumpy in-operation on the 34465A. Noise measured a little lower on the 34465A. DMM6500 glitched a couple of times, requiring a OFF/ON.Both a great pieces of kit (assuming Keithley have sorted out the glitches) - the DMM6500 had better low ohm measurement specs as I recall and was cheaper.