# Anritsu MS2601A 10 kHz to 2.2 GHz Spectrum Analyzer (Pre-Owned)

# Anritsu MS2601A 10 kHz to 2.2 GHz Spectrum Analyzer (Pre-Owned)

## Key Features At A Glance

-   Wide-band coverage from 10 kHz to 2.2 GHz across video, VHF, and UHF bands
-   Synthesized local oscillator with high-level built-in automatic calibration for general level measurement accuracy of 1 dB
-   1 Hz signal peak-level frequency resolution even at full 2.2 GHz span sweep
-   QP detector with three resolution bandwidths and time constants based on CISPR standards for EMI measurement
-   Zone marker function isolates signals within a defined span and reads frequency/level to 0.03 dB resolution
-   GPIB (IEEE-488) interface standard for ATE integration and automated measurement systems
-   Plug-in Memory Cards (PMCs) store measurement conditions and waveform data for repeatable test procedures
-   Optional PTA (Personal Test Automation) language enables the analyzer to function as automatic test equipment

The Anritsu MS2601A is a wide-band spectrum analyzer covering 10 kHz to 2.2 GHz across the video, VHF, and UHF bands. The synthesized local oscillator and automatic calibration enable accurate frequency and level measurement, while features such as the zone marker and scroll function shorten measurement time. Plug-in Memory Cards (PMCs) provide storage for measurement conditions and waveform data, supporting repeatable test setups. The MS2601J is the 75-ohm input variant of the same platform.

A spectrum analyzer displays signal energy across a frequency range — showing what signals are present, at what frequency, and at what power level. This is the frequency-domain view that complements the time-domain view of an oscilloscope and is the standard instrument for characterizing RF transmitters, identifying interference, and measuring electromagnetic emissions.

ValueTronics has supplied new and pre-owned test and measurement instruments since 1992 from our 20,000 square foot secure warehouse at 1675 Cambridge Drive in Elgin, Illinois. Every spectrum analyzer that passes through our facility is inspected and performance-tested in-house by our technicians before it ships, which is why our condition descriptions reflect measured performance rather than seller assumption. We hold one of the deepest inventories of legacy Anritsu instruments in North America and we maintain a working knowledge of the platforms — including the MS2601A/J — that remain active in production test, EMC pre-compliance, and RF maintenance environments today.

## Brand Heritage

Anritsu is a Japanese precision measurement company with roots dating to 1895. In 1993 Anritsu acquired Wiltron Company, the US-based RF and microwave instrument manufacturer, consolidating two long-established RF measurement brands under the Anritsu name. Instruments originally branded Wiltron are part of the Anritsu product lineage and are supported through current Anritsu channels.

## Compare Other Models in This Series

The MS2601 family from Anritsu consists of two variants of the same wide-band spectrum analyzer platform covering 10 kHz to 2.2 GHz. According to the datasheet, the MS2601A and MS2601J are functionally identical apart from RF input impedance and the resulting differences in frequency response specifications and connector type.

Both variants share the same synthesized local oscillator architecture, the same high-level built-in automatic calibration that delivers approximately 1 dB general level measurement accuracy, the same zone marker and scroll functions, the same QP detector and CISPR-conformant resolution bandwidths for EMI work, and the same PMC and optional PTA automation framework. The choice between the two models is determined by the system impedance of the device under test.

Each pre-owned MS2601 variant linked below is its own product page with condition-matched pricing. Select the page that matches the impedance variant — MS2601A for 50 Ω systems or MS2601J for 75 Ω systems — and the condition grade appropriate to your application.

On the MS2601A specifically, the RF input is 50 Ω with VSWR ≤1.5 at input attenuator ≥10 dB and frequency ≥30 kHz, using an N-type connector. The frequency response is specified at ±0.5 dB from 100 kHz to 2.0 GHz with input attenuator at 20 dB across the 20°C to 30°C temperature range, and 2nd and 3rd harmonic distortion is specified at ≤-75 dB for 5 to 800 MHz with 0 dB input attenuator and -30 dBm input level.

The MS2601A and MS2601J differ in RF input impedance, the resulting VSWR specification, the input connector type, and the upper frequency limit of the frequency response specification. The MS2601A presents 50 Ω with an N-type connector and is specified for ±0.5 dB frequency response to 2.0 GHz. The MS2601J presents 75 Ω with an NC-type connector and is specified for ±0.5 dB frequency response to 1.5 GHz.

Average noise level also differs between the variants. On the MS2601A the datasheet specifies ≤-120 dBm at 1 MHz to 2 GHz with 0 dB input attenuator, 300 Hz resolution bandwidth, and 1 Hz video bandwidth. On the MS2601J the same conditions yield ≤-114 dBm. Residual response is specified at ≤-100 dBm on the MS2601A with 50 Ω termination and ≤-95 dBm on the MS2601J with 75 Ω termination.

Model

Frequency Range

RF Input Impedance

RF Connector

**MS2601A**

9 kHz to 2.2 GHz

50 Ω

N-type

MS2601J

9 kHz to 2.2 GHz

75 Ω

NC-type

Additional differences in specifications beyond the few shown above are not listed here — see each model's full specifications below.

## Accessories Supplied

-   J0025A Coaxial Cord, 1 m (1 pc) — N-P-5W•5D-2W•N-P-5W
-   J0104 Coaxial Cord, 1 m (1 pc) — UG-88U•RG55/U•N-P-55U
-   J0017 Power Cord, 2.5 m (1 pc)
-   F0012 Fuse, 3.15 A (2 pcs) — T3.15A250V
-   P0001 Memory Card, 32 kbyte (1 pc) — BS32C1-A-30
-   W0270AE MS2601A/J Operation Manual (1 copy)
-   W0270BE MS2601A/J Service Manual (1 copy)

## Product Core & Specifications

Specification

MS2601A

MS2601J

Frequency

Measurement frequency range

9 kHz to 2.2 GHz

Readout modes

Center-span, start-span

Center frequency/start frequency — Setting range

0 to 2210 MHz (readout resolution 20 Hz)

Center frequency/start frequency — Readout accuracy

±(100 Hz + 2% of frequency span + tuning frequency × reference frequency accuracy) at frequency span ≥ 10 kHz, after automatic calibration

Frequency span — Setting range

1 kHz to 2200 MHz for horizontal 10 divisions, 2-digit (10 to 98) variable, and 0 Hz (fixed tuning); 1 kHz to 2000 MHz; 1-2-5 sequence at step keys

Frequency span — Readout accuracy

±2%

Resolution bandwidth

30 Hz to 1 MHz (3 dB bandwidth), variable in 1-3 sequence, can be selected manually or automatically coupled to frequency span

Resolution bandwidth accuracy

±20%

Selectivity

≤ 15 : 1 (ratio of 60 dB and 3 dB bandwidth)

Residual FM

≤ 20 Hz p-p/0.1 s (frequency span ≤ 500 kHz)

Drift

≤ 300 Hz/min (frequency span ≤ 500 kHz, after 1-hour warm-up at constant ambient temperature)

Sideband noise

≤ -80 dBc (at 100 Hz resolution bandwidth, 1 Hz video bandwidth, 10 kHz from signal)

Reference oscillator frequency

10 MHz

Reference oscillator — Starting characteristic

≤ 5 × 10⁻⁸ (after 20-minute warm-up, referred to frequency after 1-hour warm-up)

Reference oscillator — Aging rate

≤ 2 × 10⁻⁸/day, ≤ 1 × 10⁻⁷/year (referred to frequency after 24-hour warm-up)

Reference oscillator — Temperature characteristic

≤ 5 × 10⁻⁸ (referred to frequency at 25°C)

External reference input

Frequency: 10 MHz; level: 2 to 5 Vp-p

NORMAL marker — Function

Displays frequency at tunable marker

NORMAL marker — Readout accuracy

Same as center frequency

Δ(delta) marker — Function

Displays frequency difference between reference marker and tunable marker

Δ(delta) marker — Readout accuracy

Same as frequency span accuracy

COUNT marker — Function

Displays received signal frequency at marker

COUNT marker — Resolution

1 Hz, 10 Hz, 100 Hz selectable

COUNT marker — Readout accuracy

Tuning frequency × reference frequency accuracy ±(2 counts or 20 Hz, whichever is greater)

Amplitude

Measurement range

\-130 to +20 dBm

\-124 to +20 dBm

Display divisions

8 divisions on vertical axis when top line is reference level and scale is 10 dB/div; 10 divisions on vertical axis for other scales

Display — LOG 10 dB/div

0 to -70 dB, referred to reference level

Display — LOG 5 dB/div

0 to -50 dB, referred to reference level

Display — LOG 2 dB/div

0 to -20 dB, referred to reference level

Display — LOG 1 dB/div

0 to -10 dB, referred to reference level

Display — LIN

10%/div of reference level (calibrated in voltage; unit: V)

Linearity

LOG: ±0.2 dB/0 to -10 dB, ±0.3 dB/0 to -20 dB, ±0.5 dB/0 to -50 dB (resolution bandwidth of 100 Hz to 1 MHz), ±1 dB/0 to -70 dB (resolution bandwidth of 100 Hz to 100 kHz), after automatic calibration. LIN: ±3% of reference level (fullscale).

Frequency response

±0.5 dB (100 kHz to 2.0 GHz), input ATT at 20 dB, temperature range 20° to 30°C

±0.5 dB (100 kHz to 1.5 GHz), input ATT at 20 dB, temperature range 20° to 30°C

Reference level — LOG setting range

+20 to -100 dBm (setting resolution 0.1 dB)

+20 to -100 dBm (setting resolution 0.1 dB)

Reference level — LIN setting range

2240 mV to 70.8 µV

2750 mV to 87.1 µV

Reference level accuracy

±0.3 dB (0 to -50 dBm), ±0.75 dB (+20 to -70 dBm) after automatic calibration at frequency of 50 MHz and frequency span ≤ 2 MHz (resolution bandwidth, video bandwidth, sweep time, and input ATT settings at AUTO)

Resolution bandwidth switching deviation

±0.3 dB (after automatic calibration)

Average noise level

≤ -120 dBm (frequency 1 MHz to 2 GHz) with 0 dB input ATT, 300 Hz resolution bandwidth, 1 Hz video bandwidth

≤ -114 dBm (frequency 1 MHz to 2 GHz) with 0 dB input ATT, 300 Hz resolution bandwidth, 1 Hz video bandwidth

2nd and 3rd harmonic distortion

≤ -75 dB (frequency 5 to 800 MHz) when 0 dB input ATT and -30 dBm input level

Residual response

≤ -100 dBm (frequency ≥ 500 kHz) when 0 dB input ATT and 50 Ω input termination

≤ -95 dBm (frequency ≥ 500 kHz) when 0 dB input ATT and 75 Ω input termination

Marker NORMAL

Displays level at tunable marker

Marker Δ(delta)

Displays level difference between tunable marker and reference marker

Video bandwidth

1 Hz, 10 Hz, 100 Hz, 1 kHz, 10 kHz, 100 kHz, OFF (selected manually or automatically coupled to resolution bandwidth)

Level unit

dBm, dBµV, dBmV, V, dBµV (emf), dBµV/m

QP detection

The charge, discharge, and display time constants conforming to CISPR standards are provided at 200 Hz, 9 kHz, and 120 kHz resolution bandwidth

RF input impedance

50 Ω VSWR ≤ 1.5 (input ATT ≥ 10 dB, frequency ≥ 30 kHz), N-type connector

75 Ω VSWR ≤ 1.5 (input ATT ≥ 10 dB, frequency 30 kHz to 2 GHz), NC-type connector

Maximum input level

+25 dBm (input ATT ≥ 10 dB), DC: ±50 V

Input ATT — Attenuation

0 to 50 dB, in 10 dB steps (selected manually or automatically coupled to reference level)

Input ATT — Switching accuracy

±1 dB (100 kHz to 1.5 GHz), ±2.0 dB (1.5 to 2 GHz)

Sweep

Sweep time

50 ms to 100 s variable in 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 5, 7 sequence. Selected manually or automatically coupled to frequency span, resolution bandwidth, and video bandwidth.

Trigger

FREE RUN, LINE, VIDEO, SINGLE, EXT TRIGGER

Sweep range

Normal: sweeps entire range. Zone sweep: sweeps range between zone markers.

CRT Display

CRT

Six-inch electromagnetic deflection type (amber display color)

Display items

Graticule (grid), waveform data, setting conditions, menu, title

Waveform data display method

Digital storage, two channels (A and B), horizontal axis: 501 points

Other

Direct plotting

Screen data hard-copied to X-Y plotter or dot-matrix printer (compatible models only) via GP-IB

**Important:** Maximum input level: +25 dBm with input attenuator ≥10 dB, DC: ±50 V. RF input impedance is 50 Ω on the MS2601A and 75 Ω on the MS2601J — confirm the correct variant for the system impedance.**Important:** When ordering, specify one nominal line voltage between 100 V and 250 V.**Important:** DC operation requires the MZ144A Battery Pack or MZ145B DC/DC Converter (sold separately).**Important:** Option 05 (DC Coupled Input) changes the measurement frequency range to 100 Hz to 2.2 GHz (with MA8601A) and modifies frequency response, average noise level, RF input impedance/VSWR, maximum input level, and input ATT switching accuracy as detailed in the Option 05 specifications.Recommended pairing: the optional MH680A Tracking Generator (0.1 to 2000 MHz) extends the MS2601A/J into scalar network measurements on filters, amplifiers, and other RF components named in the datasheet's optional instruments list.

## About this used unit

-   Warranty included
-   Functional verification included
-   Standard Calibration Upgrade Options: No Calibration Required, NIST Traceable, Z540.1 or ISO 17025 with Data, Z540.3 Guardbanding with Data.
-   Note that unnecessary accessories may not be included (contact Test Architect to confirm).

**Please review the Manufacturer's Data Sheet to verify published specifications. Feedback on this webpage is always welcome — please reach out to your Test Architect at any time for questions or concerns. Thank you, we truly appreciate you being our customer.**

## Details

- **Price:** 1295.0 USD - 2275.0 USD
- **Vendor:** Anritsu
- **Type:** Spec An
- **Tags:** Analyzers, Anritsu, Manufacturers, product_manual_group_1, Product_used, Spectrum

## Variants

| Variant | Price | Available |
|---------|-------|-----------|
| 01, 05 / None | 1295.00 USD | In stock |
| 01, 05 / NIST Traceable | 1855.00 USD | In stock |
| 01, 05 / NIST Traceable With Full Data | 2065.00 USD | In stock |
| 01, 05 / ISO IEC 17025 Accredited | 2275.00 USD | In stock |

## Images

- MS2601A Anritsu Spectrum Analyzer

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> Source: [ValueTronics](https://valuetronics.com/products/ms2601a-anritsu-spectrum-analyzer-used)
> Updated: 2026-05-30