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Back To Mono

How many of you have a dedicated mono system? Mono cartridge (alternatively digital files in mono) separate amp and speaker; in the middle in front? If so is it of a lesser sound quality than your 2 ch system, since many of the recordings don't sound great on modern equipment? Or do you just turn off one mono block and face your chair in the direction of the appropriate speaker?
Aside from the great per-stereo "Long Plays" many of the early stereo mixes were almost an after thought. Are You Experienced and Pet Sounds for example. 
Also interested in opinions on the Sargent Pepper's remix by Giles Martin. Is the original mono version just for nostalgia? Worse or just different to the new one. In other words is "as it was intended." valid?
128x128co_jones

Showing 2 responses by bkeske

bkeske's avatar
bkeske
5,568 posts
 
Of course you use both speakers. There are some mono recordings that you could almost swear are stereo if recorded well. I just listened to one.

it just so happens that my Ortofon 2M Mono cart just arrived and installed on another headshell today. I have many mono LP’s, mostly classical, that I’ve been listening to with a stereo cart. I knew I was missing something by doing that.

As said, a mono cart makes a substantial improvement in sound quality with mono LP’s. I can play a mono LP with my Soundsmith Zephyr stereo cart, and it can’t come close to the presentation of the Ortofon Mono at 1/5th the cost.

bkeske's avatar
bkeske
5,568 posts
 
Personally, I have no mono files, only mono LP's. And all my Beatles are original issues, or reissues released within 5-6 years max, but that is only a couple. No remasters by others.

Something tells me mono files may not be as good as their LP counterpart. But that is just a guess.
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