2. analog
  3. 1352869085

'Mono' Cartridges vs. Mono Buttons

Hello,

I recently got into vintage 'microgroove' mono vinyl and I'm interested in getting the most out of my new records. I can either use my Shure m97xe stereo cartridge and just push the mono button on my amp (as I do now), or I can purchase a new, entry-level mono cart.

In replies from Grado and Ortofon I have learned that the Grado MC/ME+ and the Ortofon 2M Mono are both vertically compliant, multi-coil "mono" cartridges configured to cancel the vertical signal from the groove internally, and that this is not done by bridging the left and right channels.

So does pushing the mono button on an amplifier when using a stereo cartridge also cancel the vertical signal? I have my suspicions that it bridges the channels, and though this improves the signal-to-noise ratio (boosting the "mid" output more than the "side" output in mid-side terminology) while 'masking' the 'stereo noise' by placing it in the center image along with the music, it does not cancel the vertical signal...?
2xuel

Showing 2 responses by pryso

pryso
1,901 posts
 
Syntax, you have more direct experience with this than I do. I purchased a mono cartridge (Denon) but have not installed it yet.

However, since I have hundreds of mono LP's I've read quite a bit on mono playback - mono signal reproduction, stylus tip size and shape, EQ, etc.

While the RIAA curve was established in 1954, the year for implementation by different record companies varied considerably. Many continued with previous EQ mastering into the '60s and some Eastern European and Asian labels later than that.

Current mono reissues are all cut with stereo cutter heads since no mono heads survived. I assume the EQ utilizes RIAA with reissues but I've not seen that documented.

So even ignoring 78s, mono playback of LPs can become rather involved. I might suggest that anyone be guided by their number of mono records, as well as whether they are original LPs or reissues. This can then range from a basic mono switch up to a dedicated mono cartridge/stylus with a mono phono stage with multiple EQ adjustments.

2xuel, aren't you sorry now that you ask? ;^)
pryso
1,901 posts
 
Thanks Jonathan. It's always good to read replies from folks who know and understand what they are saying, rather than someone simply offering an opinion which may or may not be accurate.
More to discover