Advice on new arcade monitor...

[UberCade]

OK so since my Sanwa is currently out of commission and I don't know how long or if I will ever be able to fix it, I'm going to plan on purchasing another monitor sometime next week. Right now I'm thinking about two monitors, a Wells Gardner d9800 and a Makvision VM-2729T, both of which are very similar in functionality, similar in price, and both of which are multi-sync, which is a requirement for my project. From what I've read WG has a lot of quality issues with their monitors, especially the d9200 line, and I'm wondering if the d9800 is any more or less reliable. I want something that is pretty much fit and forget about it. Considering price is not an issue and it must be a 27/29 inch CRT tube arcade monitor, would I be better off going with the Makvision or the WG, or maybe another brand I've not mentioned? I've read that Makvision tends to produce better quality displays, but I would like to hear from people who have first hand experience with either or both. My cabinet PC has an ArcadeVGA 3000 so it's pretty much a plug and play situation. I just want something that looks fantastic and won't die in the near future.

[gatordad]

I Can't speak for everyone as I am sure someone will have had a problem, but I have had a d9800 running strong for almost 2 years now, no issues at all very happy with it.

[solid12345]

I had a D9800 fail literally a month after I got it so they wouldn't be on the top of my rec list.

[lilshawn]

i have had failures with nearly all models in one form or another within a few months. 


the niemens seem to either work or don't...if it works it will work for a long time, if it breaks down, the fix is usually simple...

wellsgardners seem to have the same problems over and over...either bad choice in electronics, or running them beyond spec. easily fixed because of the mass distribution offers many outlets of repair

yet other monitors just seem to be assembled incorrectly...full of bad solder joints, numerous tweak repairs (read: hacked) bad designs to begin with...

seems they don't even test some of them anymore and show up DOA

but if i had to choose i would choose niemen, at least rick rolls (lol) the boards, so if you have a problem he's here for you....

[Thenasty]

I don't have any D92xx or D98xx WG but I have WG Arcade monitors. It's been over 3 years now with no problem. I have the 19" WG72xx CGA (2x).

Maybe it will give some decision for what brand you will choose.

[UberCade]

I've already sent an e-mail to Rick about what I need so I'm just waiting to hear back from him. He's closed until Wednesday. Once I find out what he can do for me I'll probably choose either one of his monitors or a Makvision, since it seems like they're more reliable than WG. It all comes down to price really, since both monitor choices are virtually identical in specs (27" CRT flat tube, tri-sync).

[kronic24601]

Keep in mind, if you are using this for MAME, that Neimen displays are Analog, not Digital. You will have to make adjustments when switching between resolutions (Tri Sync 15KHz, 25, etc...). I have heard many good things about Neiman and Makvision, but BOTH are analog. When installing these you will need to make sure you have access to adjust the settings depending on the game each time.

The only two digital ones that I know of are Wells 9800 and the Betson Multi sync.

Supposedly the Betson and 9800 have memory settings for the 3 sync settings. I'd prefer to set them once and not again (at least less often).

No-one seems to have a perfect monitor for a perfect price, but I'm planning on getting a Betson, might want to take a look before you commit. 

[lilshawn]

Neimen displays are Analog, not Digital.

I have heard many good things about Neiman and Makvision, but BOTH are analog.

I happen to have 3 Niemen new in box and countless Makvisions in Big Buck Hunter Pro cabs...they are all fine units. Once set up properly, you shouldn't have to switch resolutions at all. UNLESS you're one of THOSE people that insist on playing games in their original resol...........nevermind.

*sigh*

sometimes being able to see this game isn't good enough for some people.

i personally set everything to the same resolution and let mame do the rest...no need to switch !

*cry*

[UberCade]

Well, unfortunately I AM one of "those people" who have to run their games in their native resolution, otherwise I wouldn't have spent the money on an ArcadeVGA and arcade monitor in the first place. I'm a stickler for details, and I like games to look as best as they possibly can.

There's actually a Betson location not too far from where I live so I just sent them a message inquiring about the monitor and if I can pick one up should I decide to purchase one. If so that will pretty much sell me on that one because if I have any problems I can just drive it over there and have them deal with it instead of having to mess with shipping back and forth. Customer service is going to be a major factor from now on after what happened to my other monitor. Hopefully theirs is good.

[dekar24k]

Games must run in their original resolutions (at least very close), period.

[UberCade]

One of the sales people from the Betson location near me responded and said they have the 27" tri-sync available so I'm going to drive over there and pick one up next week. That will be so much better than having to mess with shipping if I have any problems. Hopefully this one will last and I can enjoy my cabinet finally!