[Test-Equipment] What is the "classic" digital meter?

[David DiGiacomo]

>     I just subscribed so I apologize if this topic has been discussed.  I
>have been a ham for over 30 years and I have decided that I should put
>together some "classic" test equipment for my bench.  I have a nice Simpson
>260 meter in the roll top case.  I have a Bird 43 wattmeter with the
>appropriate slugs.  I just picked up a good HP 8640B signal generator.  Next
>I want to get a good Digital meter.  Is there a DMM that is considered to be
>a classic?  I thought of several meters but I don't what is considered to be
>the one DMM that every good tech should have on the bench.  Any opinions?

I would vote for the Fluke 8600A.  It's an excellent 4.5 digit DMM with
autorange.  HP tried to match it with the 3466A, but in my opinion, did
not succeed.

The Fluke 8800A is an even nicer 5.5 digit meter, but it doesn't have
current ranges, and isn't quite as classic :)

David DiGiacomo