Help finding a decent oscilloscope

[Dafaseles]

Hey, I've never used one and don't know much about them. A friend of mine is looking to buy one to help in setting up his system but will probably only use it once or twice so he doesn't want to spend a ton of money.
So 2 questions, are budget friendly oscilloscopes generally garbage? And 2, if not, does anyone have any recommendations?
Thanks in advance

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[metalheadjoe 10+ year member]

I think you'd be fine with something cheap if you're only going to use it to detect clipping. I'd recommend something older and higher quality over something newer and cheaper quality. I personally use an Instek GOS-620 because it was free. I don't have any experience with the newer handheld scopes, but I wouldn't trust them unless they are made by a reputable company; for all i know, cheaper ones might merely measure frequency and voltage and spit out an image on the display. An actual trace display can't do that.

Anything you get should include a manual that describes basic settings and the calibration procedure.

 

[SilverSquared 10+ year member]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QL3SS7S/?tag=caraudiocom-20

 

[metalheadjoe 10+ year member]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QL3SS7S/?tag=caraudiocom-20

Have you used it?

 

[Firewalker]

I've seen a few people on DIYMA that have used it and said it does the job for a cheap one. I have it sitting on my list at amazon because of that. I asked the same questions a few months ago and 3 or 4 people popped right in & said it does the job. While it isn't the greatest it does what it is supposed to.

 

[Firewalker]

This one is the same one just a different name and color. Plus a little cheaper as well.

ETEPON Digital Oscilloscope Kit with BNC-Clip Cable Probe (Assembled Finished Machine) EM001: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

ETEPON Digital Oscilloscope Kit with BNC-Clip Cable Probe (Assembled Finished Machine) EM001: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

www.amazon.com

 

[Dafaseles]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QL3SS7S/?tag=caraudiocom-20

I was looking at that one, but the description made it seem like it came in pieces and you had to assemble it yourself.

 

[Firewalker]

That 2nd one I posted is the same thing and it is a fully assembled kit. Seen a couple guys use that one as well. For the price you can't beat either one. I plan on getting one in a couple months. Just waiting on the extra cash to do it.

From amazon on the 1st link...

"STARTO SQ15001 oscilloscope is an assembled finished machine. NOT DIY PART"

 

[SilverSquared 10+ year member]

I'v used one, was fairly nice, for its price.
Used it to set gains on 4-6 channel amps.
Was QUITE tedious, but it was pretty cool seeing the wave clip.