HP 8903B Audio Analyzer, 20 Hz to 100 kHz (Pre-Owned)

Key Features At A Glance

• Frequency range from 20 Hz to 100 kHz for full audio-band measurement coverage
• Distortion display range from 0.001% to 100% (−99.99 to 0 dB) with ±1 dB accuracy from 20 Hz to 20 kHz
• SINAD measurement display range 0 to 99.99 dB across 50 mV to 300 V input range
• AC level measurement with True-RMS detection (crest factor up to 3), RMS-calibrated average, or quasi-peak detection per CCIR 468-4
• HP-IB (IEEE-488) remote operation for automated audio test systems; nearly all functions programmable
• Built-in plug-in filter options including CCITT, CCIR, C-Message, CCIR/ARM, and A-Weighting per IEC 179 / ANSI S1.4
• 8903B includes integrated audio source (20 Hz to 100 kHz, 0.6 mV to 6 V output, 600 Ω or 50 Ω programmable impedance)
• Five-digit reciprocal frequency counter with ±(0.004% + 1 digit) accuracy, 20 Hz to 150 kHz range

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.

Model	Type	Frequency Range	Built-in Source
8903B	Audio Analyzer (source + analyzer)	20 Hz to 100 kHz	Yes (0.6 mV to 6 V, 20 Hz to 100 kHz)
8903E	Distortion Analyzer (analyzer only)	20 Hz to 100 kHz	No

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

Product Core & Specifications

Specification	Value
System Specifications (Source and Analyzer Combined)
Residual Distortion and Noise, 80 kHz BW	The higher of −80 dB or 17 µV, 20 Hz to 20 kHz
Residual Distortion and Noise, 500 kHz BW	The higher of −70 dB or 50 µV (20 Hz to 50 kHz); −65 dB or 50 µV (50 kHz to 100 kHz)
Signal-to-Noise
Frequency Range	50 Hz to 100 kHz
Display Range	0 to 99.99 dB
Accuracy	±1 dB
Input Voltage Range	50 mV to 300 V
Residual Noise, 80 kHz BW	The higher of −85 dB or 17 µV
Residual Noise, 500 kHz BW	The higher of −70 dB or 50 µV
Source Specifications
Frequency Range	20 Hz to 100 kHz
Frequency Resolution	0.3%
Frequency Accuracy	0.3% of setting
Output Level Range	0.6 mV to 6 V open circuit
Output Level Resolution	0.3% or better
Output Level Accuracy	2% of setting (60 mV to 6 V, 20 Hz to 50 kHz); 3% of setting (6 mV to 6 V, 20 Hz to 100 kHz); 5% of setting (0.6 mV to 6 mV, 20 kHz to 100 kHz)
Flatness (1 kHz reference)	±0.7% (±0.06 dB), 20 Hz to 20 kHz; ±2.5% (±0.22 dB), 20 Hz to 100 kHz
Source Distortion and Noise, 80 kHz BW	The higher of −80 dB or 15 µV, 20 Hz to 20 kHz
Source Distortion and Noise, 500 kHz BW	The higher of −70 dB or 38 µV (20 Hz to 50 kHz); −65 dB or 38 µV (50 kHz to 100 kHz)
Source Impedance	600 Ω ±1% or 50 Ω ±2%, front panel or HP-IB programmable (47 special function)
Analyzer Input (HP 8903B)
Input Type	Balanced (full differential)
Input Impedance	100 kΩ ±1% shunted by <300 pF, each side to ground (101 kΩ ±1% in DC-level mode)
Maximum Input	425 V peak, applied differentially or between either input and ground
CMRR	>60 dB, 20 Hz to 1 kHz, Vin <2 V; >45 dB, 20 Hz to 1 kHz; >30 dB, 20 Hz to 20 kHz
SINAD — Resolution / Tuning
SINAD Resolution	0.01 dB for SINAD ratios >25 dB. For ratios <25 dB display is rounded to nearest 0.5 dB to reduce digit flickering (full resolution via special function 16.1)
SINAD Notch Filter Tuning	Tuned to the internal audio source frequency
Analog Meter	Active in SINAD mode only, SINAD ratios up to 18 dB (24 dB using special function 7.1); 1.0 dB typical accuracy
General
Net Weight	12.3 kg (27 lb)
Shipping Weight	16.4 kg (36 lb)
Dimensions	146 mm H × 425 mm W × 462 mm D (5.75 × 16.8 × 18.2 in.)
Power	100, 120, 220, or 240 V (+5, −10%), 48 to 66 Hz; 100 or 120 V (+5, −10%), 48 to 440 Hz; 100 VA maximum
Operating Temperature	0 °C to 55 °C
Storage Temperature	−55 °C to 75 °C
Remote Operation	HP-IB (all functions except line switch, low-terminal ground switches, and ×10/÷10 increment keys)
HP-IB Compatibility	SH1, AH1, T5, TE0, L3, LE0, SR1, RL1, PP0, DC1, DT1, C0, E1

Important: Maximum peak input voltage (any combination of AC and DC): 8903B accepts 425 V peak applied differentially or between either input and ground. 8903E accepts 42 V peak from low side to ground, and 425 V peak differentially or from high side to ground.Important: Maximum peak input voltage (HP 8903B): 425 V peak, applied differentially or between either input and ground. Exceeding this rating may damage the instrument.Important: Maximum peak input voltage (HP 8903E): 42 V peak, low side to ground; 425 V peak differentially or high side to ground. The HP 8903E has a lower low-to-ground rating than the HP 8903B — verify wiring before applying signals.Important: The HP 8903E has many special functions which can only be accessed via HP-IB commands.

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.