There are programs that can adjust the contrast/brightness and such of your monitor, even if the controls on it don't work. Photoshop comes with one, ATI has it with its drivers and such.
Anyways, ya, CRT are best for colors from what I've heard, but they seem to be something of the past. I don't think you'd have any worrying here if you get an LCD, as I believe a lot of the members here use them as well. Also, the budget you give is more than enough for any type of monitor <20" so I don't really think you'll be worrying about affording the 'right one.'