What screen to buy with $1500?????

CRT will provide you with the best picture, hands down. It depends on whether you can deal with the space required for the tube and the weight of the set. If you can handle these aspects, the tube TV will give you the best results. No one flat panel display can give you the black levels, contrast, color definition and brightness of a tube.

I have a similar situation as you, and I bouht the Sony wega XBR Trinitron (wide) and we LOVE it!

Thanks. One more question: does the "mass" that corresponds to the CRT TV create any "damage" to the soundstage, in 2ch audio or even in 5.1? do I have to have my front speakers postionned so they create a front line before the TV screen?

Some say for critical listening, to cover the front of the screen with a blanket...but by no means should that detail keep you from wanting the best picture you can acheive!

P.s. I never cover my TV, I do get some reflections, but it doesnt bother me.

Take look at the Sony XBR960 34" wide screen. I've had mine for a couple months and the pic is gorgeous. It is a "Super Fine Pitch" set that makes all the analog cable stuff not only watchable, but very impressive. And DVD's are to die for. The Masters in HDTV made me cry.....hehehe.

However the set's depth (24") does remove a bit of the sound stage depth of my Martin Logan Aeriusi fronts. I can't move them forward since they are dipoles and need back wall reinforcement. But movie dialogue is married to the screen beautifully. I don't use a center channel speaker and you shouldn't either in the room you described. Turn the TV's speakers off and enjoy the show.