You are right, it can be seen as a trigger bug and we know Rigol have serious trigger issues. I only had one hard freeze where it stopped responding to any button so in that respect it is reliable. There is another thread that seems to imply problems when you have it plugged into LAN so that may be a factor too.
I agree that new Z Rigol seems like a no brainer for a new scope but I'm no expert.
This whole tread made me take a look at used LeCroy scopes. I was looking previously for Agilent ones, and the main reason is to get an active probe with it. There's just too many available in a wide range of prices and with no knowledge which model to look for nor what their real value is, I am sure someone would fleece me. They sure look impressive even just from their photos, compared to Agilents.
I recently picked up a WR64MXi and I couldn't be happier.....it easily outclasses the other scopes I have on hand, and have used....honestly I would take it over 9000 series Agilent. The probe options are vast. I picked up two (essentially new) AP020 FET probes for $130 each. The differential LV probes are under $500 each, and most current probes can be had for under a grand each....obviously there are higher end probes and what not, but used most don't surpass $1500.
The way I made my value judgement is the following
1. WR64MXi (fully loaded with options and keys) $5000 usd (upgrade CPU RAM and HDD for another $200 ish)
2. AP020 active FET probes x 2 $130 each
3. Lecroy DA1855A-rm2 (2channel) $3100
4. assortment of passive differential leads (about $900 each)
5. Lecroy AP015 current probes x2 $1000-$1500 each
6. Lecroy ms500 18 ch logic probe ($2k ish) (500mHZ)
that is a full analysis grade system for around $12-$15k.....you just can't touch that value....especially with the lecroy triggers and analysis functions....buy a 9000 or even 4000 series Agilent, and load it up with probes and licenses, and you will be at easily double that price point....and won't get the same quality of triggering or math/analysis functions....
Obviously some folks aren't going to agree with that opinion, but for my specific needs, nothing else is going to do what that system can do.....the only thing I can imagine that would trump that level of function, would be an HDO8000.....the 12 bit resolution is useful for me.
i have never been the type to gush about one brand or another....but owning a lecroy has completely changed my opinions on that subject.....I had played with and demo'd units before, but until you work with one day to day for a few hours a sitting, you don't really get a fair overview, of just how powerful their upper end systems are....it's hard to believe this unit i have is a 2009 vintage.
I am sure some of the grumpy folks, who have never really spent time on a higher end lecroy system will call me a fanboi....or throw out the usual "lecrap" statement....but those are based on lower end rebadges....I highly doubt anyone who has lived with an MXi would call it "crap"....