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u/Comosicus71

▲ 33 r/crt

Hi guys!

I wanted to share a "fine" example of the delusional pricing currently infecting the Romanian second-hand market (and increasingly the rest of Europe). This perfectly illustrates why the retro gaming scene is becoming unnecessarily expensive due to what I call "Ignorance Pricing."

Take a look at this local listing for a Sony Trinitron KV-M2171K. The seller is asking 1,000 RON (approx. €200 / $215) for this particular tv set. To a seasoned enthusiast, this isn't just an overpriced TV; it’s a masterclass in seller incompetence.

URL: https://ibb.co/C3PptYcR

Here is a technical breakdown of why this listing is completely disconnected from reality (no need for you guys to translate the advertisement):

  • Wrong Era: The seller claims it's from the "2000s". Realistically, this model (BE-4A chassis) was manufactured around 1995. In CRT history, that 5-year gap is huge—it’s the difference between a mid-90s budget set and the more advanced late-era flat WEGAs.
  • Missing/Wrong Accessories: The remote shown in the photo is not the original. For anyone who knows Sony sets, the original remote is vital for accessing the Service Menu to fix geometry, white balance, or basic calibration.
  • Zero Technical Proof: There isn’t a single photo of the TV actually turned on. We have no idea if the tube is tired, if the convergence is shot, or if there is severe phosphor wear. No mention of a recap (restoration) either.
  • Entry-Level Specs at "Premium" Price: This is a Mono set with a single SCART (tho RGB capable) input in the back—and that’s it. No video inputs in the front either. It was the "budget" Sony of its time, using mediocre passive components (mostly budget ELNA caps). There are no RCA inputs for stereo sound; just a headphone jack and basic volume/channel buttons on the front.
  • The "Clueless Seller" Syndrome: The seller describes it as a "unique piece for collectors" and a "vintage treasure", yet fails to provide the most basic accurate information.

The Problem: We are seeing a wave of uneducated sellers who see the word "Trinitron" and immediately think "Gold Mine." They don't bother to check manufacturing dates, they don't test RGB inputs, and they certainly don't understand that a 30-year-old entry-level TV with unserviced internals is a project, not a "collector's gem."

This "Greed Pricing" is fueled by indifference. Sellers refuse to evaluate what they actually own, and by posting these absurd prices, they trick other naive sellers into thinking that €200 is the "floor" for any Sony tube. It’s a cycle of stupidity that’s breaking the market for actual hobbyists.

My advice: Don't feed the sharks. An unserviced, entry-level, mono KV-M series is a €15–€40 find at best. Paying €200 just for the Sony badge is exactly what's ruining this hobby.

Stay sharp and keep those tubes glowing (at a fair price)!

u/Comosicus71 — 18 days ago
▲ 59 r/crtgaming

-- First photo is made night time.
-- Second photo is made during the day! The monitor is at 1meter away from a window that is on south side of the building;
-- Third photo is made in the same time as the second one but i made a shade using a blanket;
-- Fourth photo is made during the day, mornings;
-- Fifth photo is made in the night.

Is this monitor restored ok? are the colors ok? is the washed image ok on daytime? is the monitor dying, too much used? What are your oppinion guys?
Monitor settings are always on default meaning 50% brightness and 100% contrast. This are defaults.
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UPDATE: Found some answers after deep diving into the Service Manual and running tests

Just wanted to share some technical findings for anyone else interested in this model. I managed to get a hold of the official Service Manual and did some real-world measurements after my restoration:

  • Product Line: According to the manual, the "B" stands for Business Line. It was actually positioned as a high-reliability professional series, above the standard "S" (SOHO) models.
  • Chassis Specs: This unit is quite capable—it's a 97 kHz chassis. It supports 1600x1200 @ 75Hz and up to 1920x1440 @ 60Hz with a fine 0.24mm pitch. Definitely punchy specs for a 19" tube from that era.
  • The Restoration: I finished a full recap using high-grade components from Mouser: Rubycon (ZLH & YXJ), Panasonic, and Cornell Dubilier (for the main filter). The power delivery is rock solid now.
  • Actual Measurements: I used a lux meter to see how the tube is holding up after 20k hours. Calibration was done against a modern 300-nit AOC LCD:
    • Brightness: At default 100% contrast and 50% brightness settings, it outputs ~191-234 nits, which is well above the factory service target of 103-151 nits. The tube is incredibly healthy.
    • LightFrame 2: With the hardware boost active, it peaks at ~680 nits.
  • Visibility: Regarding the "washed out" look in daylight—it's just the nature of the Real Flat glass and the lack of modern AR coatings. At night or in controlled lighting, the black levels are deep and the contrast is excellent.

Overall, I'm really surprised by the quality of this Business Line tube. Despite the hours, the restoration brought it back to (and even slightly above) factory spec. And that with 20410 hours on board!

u/Comosicus71 — 26 days ago