Rigol’s MSO5074 and DHO924S represent two very different philosophies in oscilloscope design. The MSO5074, part of the established MSO5000 series, focuses on deep analysis, massive sampling performance, and an all-in-one instrument approach. The DHO924S, from Rigol’s newer DHO900 series, takes a different path, prioritizing 12-bit resolution, higher native bandwidth, and exceptional small-signal clarity.
Both instruments typically sell in the $1,500–1,700 range, so this decision is not about price. It’s about whether you want a broad, deeply integrated workhorse or a precision-focused, next-generation scope.
Specification Comparison Table
| Feature | MSO5074 | DHO924S |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,499–1,760 | $1,500–1,700 |
| Series | MSO5000 (established) | DHO900 (new 12-bit platform) |
| Bandwidth | 70 MHz | 250 MHz |
| Resolution | 8-bit (256 levels) | 12-bit (4,096 levels) |
| Analog Channels | 4 | 4 |
| Digital Channels | 16 (probe required) | 16 (probe required) |
| Sample Rate | 8 GSa/s (single channel) | 1.25 GSa/s |
| Memory Depth | 100 Mpts std, 200 Mpts opt | 50 Mpts |
| Waveform Capture Rate | 500,000 wfms/s | 1,000,000 wfms/s |
| Display | 9″ touch, 1024×600 | 7″ touch, 1024×600 |
| Built-in AWG | Optional, 25 MHz, 2-ch | Standard, 25 MHz, 1-ch |
| Noise Floor | Typical 8-bit | Ultra-low (12-bit advantage) |
| DC Gain Accuracy | Standard | 1% |
| Vertical Sensitivity | 1 mV/div – 10 V/div | 200 µV/div – 10 V/div |
| Integrated Tools | 7-in-1 platform | Focused DSO + AWG |
| Upgradability | Bandwidth up to 350 MHz | Limited |
| Weight | ~6 kg | ~3.5 kg |
| Best For | Deep analysis, mixed-signal | Small signals, high bandwidth |
The Bandwidth Showdown
250 MHz vs 70 MHz
On paper, the DHO924S looks dominant, offering over three times the bandwidth. Using the common 1:5 rule, the DHO924S can accurately capture signals up to roughly 50 MHz, while the MSO5074 is closer to 14 MHz in its base configuration.
That said, the MSO5074 has a major advantage: software-based bandwidth upgrades. With licenses, it can be expanded to 100 MHz, 200 MHz, or even 350 MHz, allowing you to grow into higher-speed work without replacing the instrument.
The DHO924S has higher bandwidth out of the box, but less long-term flexibility.
The Resolution Revolution
12-bit vs 8-bit
This is where the DHO924S fundamentally changes the game. An 8-bit scope has 256 vertical levels. A 12-bit scope has 4,096, which is a 16× improvement in vertical resolution.
What that means in practice:
- Small-signal visibility improves dramatically. Ripple, noise, and sensor signals are far clearer.
- Dynamic range is higher, letting you see large and small signals at the same time without losing detail.
- Lower noise floor, especially important for analog, power, and audio work.
The trade-off is speed. Higher resolution generally means lower maximum sample rates, and that’s exactly what we see here.
Sample Rate and Memory: Speed vs Detail
8 GSa/s vs 1.25 GSa/s
The MSO5074’s 8 GSa/s sample rate excels at capturing very fast edges and timing-critical digital signals. If you care about precise edge placement or very fast transient behavior, raw sample rate matters.
100–200 Mpts vs 50 Mpts
Memory depth is another MSO5074 strength. Deep memory allows long captures at high sample rates, which is invaluable for intermittent glitches, long protocol streams, and system-level debugging.
The DHO924S counters this with a 2× faster waveform capture rate, making it better at spotting rare glitches through repetition rather than deep capture windows.
The 7-in-1 vs Focused Philosophy
MSO5074: Maximum Integration
The MSO5074 is a true multi-instrument platform. Beyond being a scope, it can function as a logic analyzer, spectrum analyzer, AWG, DVM, frequency counter, and protocol analyzer. Optional features add power analysis and Bode plots for control-loop testing. It’s designed to replace multiple bench instruments.
DHO924S: Precision First
The DHO924S focuses on being an outstanding oscilloscope. It adds a built-in AWG as standard and supports logic analysis, but it does not try to be everything. Instead, it excels at signal fidelity, low noise, and higher native bandwidth.
Portability and Ergonomics
The DHO924S is significantly lighter and more compact, making it easier to move between benches or use in the field. The MSO5074’s larger 9-inch display provides more room for complex views and simultaneous measurements, which is noticeable during long analysis sessions.
Both use capacitive touchscreens with modern gesture support, but the MSO5074 feels more “desktop-centric,” while the DHO924S feels more agile.
Use Case Analysis
Choose the MSO5074 if you:
- Need very deep memory for long captures
- Work with extremely fast digital signals
- Want spectrum analysis, Bode plots, and protocol tools in one box
- Value bandwidth upgradability over time
- Do complex mixed-signal debugging
- Prefer a large display for detailed analysis
Choose the DHO924S if you:
- Work with small or low-level signals
- Need high vertical resolution and low noise
- Require higher native bandwidth immediately
- Prioritize waveform capture rate
- Want a lighter, more portable instrument
- Do power electronics, audio, or precision analog work
- Want a built-in AWG without extra licenses
What the Differences Really Mean
Digital design
The MSO5074’s high sample rate and deep memory shine for timing analysis and long digital captures. However, signals above about 50 MHz favor the DHO924S’s bandwidth.
Analog and power electronics
The DHO924S is clearly superior. The 12-bit resolution and 200 µV/div sensitivity reveal details that an 8-bit scope simply cannot show.
Mixed-signal and embedded systems
The MSO5074’s integrated tools make it more versatile, especially when debugging across analog, digital, and protocol layers simultaneously.
RF and high-speed work
The DHO924S’s 250 MHz bandwidth is essential. Even with upgrades, the MSO5074 starts at a disadvantage here.
The Value Proposition
Both scopes cost about the same, but deliver value in different ways.
MSO5074 gives you breadth. You get a deep, expandable platform that can replace multiple instruments and grow with your needs.
DHO924S gives you depth. You get cutting-edge resolution, low noise, and clarity that fundamentally changes how signals look and how confidently you can measure them.
The Verdict
Rigol hasn’t made one scope obsolete with the other. Instead, they’ve created two excellent tools for different engineers.
The MSO5074 is the all-rounder. Deep memory, extreme sample rate, broad integration, and upgrade paths make it ideal for complex debugging and mixed-signal work.
The DHO924S is the precision instrument. Its 12-bit resolution and higher bandwidth make it exceptional for analog, power, audio, and high-frequency applications.
Bottom line
If your work spans many domains and benefits from deep integration, the MSO5074 is the better long-term companion. If your work demands signal fidelity, low noise, and higher frequencies, the DHO924S delivers capabilities the MSO5074 cannot match, regardless of upgrades.
Neither is universally “better.” The right choice depends entirely on what you measure most often.