The HP 8903B Audio Analyzer and HP 8903E Distortion Analyzer cover audio measurement from 20 Hz to 100 kHz in a single benchtop instrument. The 8903B is a complete source-and-analyzer combination, integrating a low-distortion audio signal source with the full analyzer measurement suite. The 8903E is the analyzer-only configuration, with its notch filter tuned to the counted input frequency rather than to an internal source — making it the right choice for engineers who already have a precision source and need only the measurement side of the bench.

The datasheet describes both instruments as covering distortion, SINAD, AC level, DC level, and frequency measurement in one analyzer. Distortion is displayed from 0.001% to 100% (equivalent to −99.99 to 0 dB) with ±1 dB accuracy from 20 Hz to 20 kHz and ±2 dB from 20 kHz to 100 kHz. SINAD is measured across the same fundamental frequency range with the same accuracy specifications. AC level measurement supports True-RMS, RMS-calibrated average, and quasi-peak detection — the quasi-peak detector meets the CCIR 468-4 characteristic for broadcast and professional audio applications.

Brand Heritage

Hewlett-Packard's test and measurement division was spun out as Agilent Technologies in 1999, and Agilent's electronic measurement business was subsequently transferred to Keysight Technologies in 2014. Instruments originally branded HP — including the 8903B and 8903E covered by this datasheet — were manufactured by Hewlett-Packard and trace their support lineage through Agilent to Keysight today.

Compare Other Models in This Series

The HP 8903 Series covers audio-band measurement from 20 Hz to 100 kHz in two configurations sharing a common analyzer architecture. Both instruments deliver the same distortion, SINAD, AC level, DC level, and frequency measurement performance, the same balanced differential analyzer input, and the same HP-IB programming model — the differentiation is in whether a precision audio source is integrated into the chassis.

The 8903B is the complete source-and-analyzer combination intended for bench measurement work where one instrument handles both the stimulus and the response. The 8903E is the analyzer-only configuration, with its notch filter tuned to the counted input frequency rather than to an internal source — designed for engineers who supply their own precision audio source and need only the measurement side of the setup.

Each pre-owned 8903 Series model below is listed on its own product page with condition-matched pricing. Select the configuration that fits your measurement workflow — source-plus-analyzer or analyzer-only — and the condition tier that matches your documentation requirements.

The primary functional split between the 8903B and the 8903E is the integrated source. The 8903B includes a 20 Hz to 100 kHz audio source with 0.6 mV to 6 V output range, selectable 600 Ω or 50 Ω output impedance, and source distortion-and-noise specified at the higher of −80 dB or 15 µV from 20 Hz to 20 kHz. This source is the reference that the 8903B's notch filter tunes to in SINAD and distortion modes. The 8903E omits the source entirely; its notch filter tunes to the counted frequency of whatever signal is applied to the input.

Secondary differences follow from this split. The 8903B's SINAD display defaults to 0.01 dB resolution above 25 dB and rounds to 0.5 dB below that threshold to reduce digit flicker on noisy signals (full resolution available via special function 16.1). The 8903E powers up with that special function active by default, giving 0.01 dB resolution at all SINAD ratios. The 8903E also has additional special functions accessible only via HP-IB commands.

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

Product Core & Specifications

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.