questions from a UK newbie

first, i'd like to say that i know next to nothing on machines, so any and all advice is appreciated.

i'm looking to buy some of cave's arcade shmups. and wondering first of all, where the best places in the UK are to buy from?

i don't really have the space for the cabinet i'm liking the look of (new astro city), and thinking of going the super-gun route. are japanese super-guns compatible with PAL televisions? presumably the tv needs to be rotated?

and with regards to the games - i'm thinking of ketsui or guwange. any opinions on these?

and what sort of prices do each normally fetch? is it cheaper to buy from america? (are there custom taxes?).

thanks,
jpj

jpj said:

i don't really have the space for the cabinet i'm liking the look of (new astro city), and thinking of going the super-gun route. are japanese super-guns compatible with PAL televisions?

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If your in the UK, you may not need an encoder for the supergun. Many Euro sets have a scart RGB input. Nothing beats direct RGB, it makes the TV a vertual arcade monitor

Well i'm based in the UK too, and I have most of the Cave pcbs. I've reviewed some of their games on my site including Ketsui & Guwange, so maybe they might help you in choosing between the two.
Apart from people selling in assorted forums (Neo-Geo.com, Shmups.com, Killercabs.com etc) I usually buy my boards from coinopexpress & excellentcom.net, both of which are based in Hong Kong. Both of these companies have offered me faultless service and come highly recommended. Just ask Excellentcom.net to put you on their mailing list and you'll be set to see what Cave goodies they have on offer.
As for the superguns, I just don't have a clue. It is apparently easier, because most tv's the day in the UK have RGB Scart, so I reckon you're pretty sorted there.
Hope some of this helps.

hi mark,

i've visited your site a few times, and you have a very eviable collection!

cheers for the names of retailers (although killercabs don't seem to have anything at all in stock!?)