My goal was to do some serious learning/experimenting. So next up an Heathkit ET-3100 bought years ago and never used. I discovered these 'are what they are'; but that's not bad for something to get going with minimum fuss. AC and DC +/- variable power supplies, breadboard, and a rudimentary signal generator. Poorly filtered and regulated but perfectly fine for basic learning/experimentation. I still recommned if you can find for reasonable prices (not the inflated 'vintage collector rate).
I found that new and larger caps helped a bit. Added a couple extra caps (somewhere?) which also helped marginally. One of the upbiquitous digital voltmeters to the positive DC side for $5 added some utility. Note that the supply for the voltmeter will cause mucho noise unless it's isolated (resistor) and properly located. Experiment. Also added an external fuse holder.