CurtPalme.com Home Theater Forum

fefrank · Joined: 10 Jun 2012 Posts: 83

Okay so here is the problem.
So I have a Runco 947 (Cine 7) with great condition tubes 8-9 in the scale. And I also have a 1208s2 Barco with pretty dang burned tubes 3-4 in the scale. I am currently in school, married and with a 11 month old baby, so money right now is no where around here.The wife is sick of having 2 of these beasts specially the 1208 laying around in the 1000sqft apt, I totally understand her, these things are massive in size for our little appartment. I initially got the barco and then decided to get the runco to transfer the hd-144 lenses to the 1208, but it seems that it's going to be a long -term project since right now I can't buy new tubes or even used tubes for the 1208.

So here comes the real question.
My wife wants one out, as soon as possible. And those of you mmarried people know the "Happy wife happy life" theory, but I have 2 options. So please help me decide.
1. I could get rid of the runco and before I do that, take the Hd-144 lenses for my future 1208s2 project.
2. I could get rid of the 1208s2 and have a totally working projector(runco) for I don't know how long. Is a 947 that good of a projector to pick over a 1208s2 that's burned out?

So crt technology is dead, am I right? So is it worth it to keep the 1208s2 so that like in a year or so I could buy tubes for it. Wouldn't it be already obsolete? Would going digital be a smart move?. I own a epson 8350. A beautiful machine. Man that thing gives me an incredible picture in 1080p. But I also liked the runco when I pluged it in and played with the settigns a little bit.
So give me your opinions. What do you think I should do?

Thanks in advance.

macgyver655 · Joined: 22 Aug 2007 Posts: 8508

You know, a projector on its side will fit in the back of a closet and you won't even know it's there.......

**AnalogRocks** · Posted: Tue Sep 11, 2012 5:06 pm Post subject:

draganm · Joined: 08 Mar 2006 Posts: 8990 Location: Colorado

Phoenixed · Joined: 13 Oct 2011 Posts: 514 Location: The mitten

When my wife starts complaining. I buy her a expensive purse OR complain about how many soes she has.

gjaky · Joined: 05 Jun 2010 Posts: 2802 Location: Budapest, Hungary

**Curt Palme** · Posted: Tue Sep 11, 2012 6:36 pm Post subject:

I'll take the HV quadrupler and splitter if you want to sell them. Scrap the 1208. There's so many as is CRTs out there that it won't be an issue finding another one on CL for cheap, probably in better shape. Heck, you might find a 9" if you're lucky! PM me about the 1208 parts if you want to scrap it. List everything else in the classifieds here.

Use and learn the Runco. Heck, I'd buy that one off you if you decide to dump it, but it's smaller and throws a nice pix.

draganm · Joined: 08 Mar 2006 Posts: 8990 Location: Colorado

HaydnG90 · Joined: 22 May 2006 Posts: 1356

Agree with Dragan. CRT really only works if you can accommodate the negative aspects of ownership. IMO they only make sense in a light controlled room which is ideally dedicated media room. They are just to conspicuous in a regular multi-use living space. Factor in the WAF and the fact the OP has limited space and a growing family, it makes sense to transition to digital.

Good 9" pj's will be available for many years to come so if he wanted to get back into CRT there will be plenty of options open to him.

fefrank · Joined: 10 Jun 2012 Posts: 83

Thank you everyone for all your responses. They are all really helpful. I am going to have to think this one very good before making a decision, Like I said, I like crt! I haven't been able to setup the runco all the way. But I want to get into the hobby. What do you think about the Runco 947 vs. Epson 8350. Do you think that I would be a pretty close match or do you think that a 1080p budget digital projector would beat a cine 7 hands down? I think the real question is. What are your opinions about entry level crt projectors vs digital projectors claiming 50,000:1 Contrast like my Epson 8350. I guess my point is; is it really worth it to keep the runco. Curt you mentioned to learn it, use it and scrap the 1208, may I ask why? and again thanks for all your input Smile

I'm loving the council from you CRT veterans.

**Curt Palme** · Posted: Wed Sep 12, 2012 2:41 am Post subject:

It's not worth putting $1800 into a 1208 assuming you buy all new tubes. You should be able to find one for well under that. Heck, I'm selling BG808s with less hours and brand new Sony tubes that are a bit sharper than the ones in the 1208 for $1500, for the whole set!

jantje112 · Joined: 17 Jul 2006 Posts: 328

I've seen a well setup vision 701 a few years back and it delivered a better picture then most 808 i've seen...

The 701 was brand new and fully calibrated. But it can perform like crazy when in good condition.

digitalayon · Joined: 02 Mar 2009 Posts: 921

**Curt Palme** · Posted: Mon Sep 17, 2012 3:37 pm Post subject:

I have three sets now of the BG808s tubes in. They are new old stock, which means they are new, but have been sitting on the shelf for a number of years.

I have 3 BG808s sets that I can install them into, but won't have time until I get back from Chicago around the 18th of Oct.

digitalayon · Joined: 02 Mar 2009 Posts: 921

that is a f*cking incredible price man!!!!!

digitalayon · Joined: 02 Mar 2009 Posts: 921

**AnalogRocks** · Posted: Mon Sep 17, 2012 9:42 pm Post subject:

macgyver655 · Joined: 22 Aug 2007 Posts: 8508

digitalayon · Joined: 02 Mar 2009 Posts: 921

**Curt Palme** · Posted: Tue Sep 18, 2012 1:19 pm Post subject:

Research does show that divorce is 247% higher amongst multiple CRT owners than those that own none.