The one bit of moldy old stuff I've avoided is spectrum analysis and distortion analyzers. As much as I like moldy crap, for me those measurements are easiest with a laptop running REW and a decent sound interface. Most of the old stuff I play with on the bench is well within the measurement capabilities of that setup. If I was measuring that sort of performance for newer stuff too good for REW and a decent ADC/DAC, I'd probably have to consider something like an AP analyzer. Mostly, though, I'm fixing stuff and only need enough equipment to isolate and replace a failed component, plus make basic adjustments.
(For ham radio stuff, I do use a Heathkit signal monitor, which is just a simple oscilloscope without lab controls. It shows waveforms well enough to see if I'm clipping, which is good enough.)
Rick "now if I just knew enough" Denney
(For ham radio stuff, I do use a Heathkit signal monitor, which is just a simple oscilloscope without lab controls. It shows waveforms well enough to see if I'm clipping, which is good enough.)
Rick "now if I just knew enough" Denney