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Buy Mono vs. Stereo LPs for Stereo Rig

Hi All,

I just heard Charlie Byrd's "Blues Sonata" ("Scherzo for an Old Shoe") for the first time and want to buy the LP. Recorded in mono in 1961, but later pressed as stereo. My cartridge (PC-1) is stereo. Which should I buy? In general, should mono LP's be just played on mono cartridges (or optimally so)? In general, if you have a stereo rig, is it better to buy the mono or stereo LP's? I know that some of the mono=>stereo conversions can be pretty wonky sometimes!
peter_s

Showing 1 response by syntax

syntax's avatar
syntax
2,193 posts
 
The mono reissues are cut with a stereo cutter, so can play those with a stereo or a modern mono cartridge. Modern mono cartridge means, the stylus is identical to their stereo brother but you will have a much better performance. Less noise and that is the real advantage, the tones have colors which are hidden when using a stereo cartridge or a mono button on the preamp. The difference is not day and night - based on the stereo cutting process with a mono signal - but there is a clear difference. The mono button for example kills every life and is very boring to listen to.
A different chapter is old mono (no reissues). Here you have to go for a mono cartridge.
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