idk exactly what u are looking for but there is a good 17" lcd at bestbuy for 240 i think after rebates. it is a Samsung Syncmaster 712n and i have had it for almost a month and have been quite hyappy.
Get a sony 21" CRT. They're discontinued but you can still find them.
(Dell, HP... Borrow the Trinitron technology)
They have the best refresh rates.
Sony has moved on to LCD only.
I would have agreed with you a year ago or so but LCD's have come a long way, they're getting better and better. A high end LCD could most likely replace a primary flat CRT for gaming and everything. The only thing is the cost to benefit ration is nothing. A nice flat screen CRT would be more cost effective right now if you can afford the space for one.