Hi B2K24,
Basically, your choices are:
- SCART consumer grade TV + UMSA or custom VGA->SCART cable
- Component consumer grade TV + VGA->component transcoder
- Professional grade monitor (PVM etc.) + VGA->BNC cable
- Arcade monitor + VGA or custom cable (depends) + video amplifier (depends)
- PC CRT monitor + VGA cable
All these options will produce true 15 kHz graphics except the last one (PC monitor). Notice I've left out composite video because we don't have and probably won't ever have tools to do custom video through composite. In short, you must use RGB. Or RGB transcoded to component. Never composite.
IMHO PVMs are somewhat fetish objects, they're extremely sharp and their picture looks close to what you get on a 31 kHz PC CRT monitor with hardware scanlines rather than the real thing. Their appeal comes from their robustness, easy connectivity, good geometry, etc. and they certainly look cool on your desk.
The best option quality/price is a consumer grade TV. If you live in the SCART part of the world then the choice is clear. If you happen to live in the component zone then you need to get a transcoder. Don't get intimidated.
An arcade monitor is the best option if you are going to build a cabinet. Otherwise, having a naked CRT sitting on your desktop only looks cool at the beginning.
In terms of accuracy, a consumer grade TV through RGB looks 100% the same as an arcade monitor, and usually good brands (Grundig, Philips, Sony, Blaupunk, etc.) have much better electronics than what you find on the average arcade monitor, and you can get one nearly for free.
As for the cons part, TVs are more difficult to get the geometry right. GroovyMAME's 'crt_range' feature was designed for arcade monitors that are basically dumb devices that just take whatever signal and output it raw, so results are deterministic. Most TVs, however, have active circuits that adjust geometry depending if the input signal is PAL or NTSC. This masks GroovyMAME's efforts to get geometry right and usually leads to random results, requiring manual adjustments.
Besides, arcade monitors usually have knobs you can use to adjust geometry (specially vertical geometry) easier. TVs usually require you to enter service menu to do the same, which can be cumbersome.
Stay away of multisync arcade monitors, unless you get a very good deal and it's from a high quality brand.
Finally, don't overlook other interesting options like the Commodore Amiga monitors.
And make sure to check this blog: scarthunter.blogspot.com