Oscilloscopes - what specs to look for?

100 Mhz should be the minimum, it will be beneficial for viewing parasitic oscillations. FFT analysis is a plus, especially high resolution. Most budget scopes have a math function to do this but the Rhode & Schwarz models have the highest resolution for the dollar. The 100 Mhz RTC1000 model is around $1,200, but you also get a waveform generator, digital volt meter, and component tester. The stuff packed in there would have cost you tens of thousands of dollars not too long ago. The $2,000 RTC2000 model has 10 bit A/D converters for even sharper FFT and waveform viewing.

It's a lot of overkill for what you are trying to do -- and a lot of money for the occasional DIYer -- but if you are interested in diving in to amplifier design or repair, then you'll never outgrow those scopes.

@jaytor , I noticed that Siglent SDS1202X-E, sold and shipped by Amazon for $359 is identical to LeCroy T3DSO1102 sold for $725.
I read that LeCroy relabels Siglent scopes.  That would suggest that Siglent is a quality brand.  Perhaps one day I will get one for myself.

To specify the why and what better: 

I'm in general intrinsically motivated by the field.

For audio, I want to both fix, repair, improve and maybe build gear. I can't afford most stuff on the market, and I find I much more enjoy working with gear rather than just buying new and selling old gear, which often has led to letdowns and frustration. Improving things via knowledge and parts has been much more rewarding.

I'm considering doing a kit amp (First Watt F5 (might be too high level as of now)), and I'm also wanting a tube preamp. I might venture into design some day, who knows. That is the audio part of it.

I also see basic electronics as a very useful skill, for example repairs. I'm  learning basic electronics now. I haven't gotten very far, but I'm learning through Khan Academy and Coursera. I also got recommended getting a scope via an electronics repair book by Michael Jay Geier, saying it was the most used tool when it comes to repairs. 

I run a restaurant on a day to day basis, and restaurant gear is not cheap. Fridges, control panels, coffee makers, etc. But they also seem quite simple in construction. I'm hoping to repair a large espresso machine, for example, and also some ventilation stuff. I might not pull that off, but this is how I defend buying a scope, soldering iron, et cetera. 

So, I'm wanting to balance both cost and usefulness when I'm getting my first scope. Spend enough to get to a decent scope that fits the areas I want to use it on. I also want to get one right now so that I can actually DO, not just read and read and read. I know learning goes way quicker if you actually practice, which is the point, anyway. 


In general I'll now say thank you to all of you; this helps a lot! 

Stuff I can get here in Norway from stores, and which kinda match my budget: 
Siglent SDS1202X-E
Uni-T UTD2102CEX
Rigol ds1054z

As of now, that is what I can get + afford. I could also consider going up a wee bit if it gets me to a whole other level for not too much more money.

I didn't spend any time looking at the Uni-T, but did consider the Rigol and Siglent. Both are a great value. Keep in mind that with these lower priced scopes (including the SDS1204X-E that I bought), you can only use the full bandwidth if you are using half the channels.

So with the 2-channel, 200Mhz scopes, you're really getting a 1x200Mhz or 2x100Mhz scope. This is because they have a single ADC which is shared between the two channels (or used for a single channel if the second is disabled).

For most audio circuit use, this will probably be adequate, making these scopes quite a bargain. 

A used older AP set up for the wealthier and 'moving to serious' enthusiast.