Mono vs. Stereo

I learned here that playing Mono LP’s with a Mono cartridge is better than playing with a Stereo Cartridge even if using a ’mono’ control on a preamp.

I found it is definitely true. It makes a bit/some/a lot of improvement.

examples:

An historic compilation of early jazz: listening via stereo, not involving, came off as a history lesson, probably would never play it again.

Received my Grado Mono cartridge, wow, it was so much better. Not imaging, but individual instruments became distinct, you could readily hear Louis’s trumpet ... The Stereo cartridge reacts to any vertical input, dirt in the groove, warps, and makes ’hash’, and it doubles the hash, sending it to both channels. A very large difference.

I just sold an original issue Thelonious Monk. Normally I don’t sell any audible problem, however buyers ask for specific things, soooo

The LP has an audible scuff about 1/2" long in one track, otherwise it’s fine.

I listened with Stereo, noise was the same volume as the content. That track definitely not enjoyable. I listened playing Mono, the amount of audible noise was reduced two ways: first, the sound of the scuff was considerably lower volume than the content, acceptable enjoyment. secondly, the duration of any noise was reduced in program length.

I advised the buyer he would only get thru that track happily with a Mono cartridge. He bought the LP, bought himself a Mono cartridge, left me great feedback. He is evidently a collector, wanted my original riverside issue which is rare it seems.

Others: I don’t own a lot of lps in both formats, but I can definitely say many many of my Mono Jazz LPs sound terrific. They had excellent equipment and techniques long before stereo.

frank said

The difference between stereo and mono? With stereo, you are there. With mono, they are here.

Yes, and with properly reproduced Mono, they are each distinctly here.
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As for a single speaker, as Eric mentioned (which is unrealistic for me and I presume many others) I will add:

From your normal centered listening position, if both speakers are fed the identical signal, PRECISE BALANCE, to properly create a solid phantom center image is very important.

Mono LP, both speakers on, I often move to a different listening position so that my mind does not seek imaging, and do not hear any slight off center wandering that may occur. 

My McIntosh Preamp Mode Switch has L+R to L only ... or L+R to R only. I'm gonna try that next time I have a great Mono LP on, probably later today.

OK Now, One Speaker as Erik Mentioned:

I played an awesome Mono Charlie Parker

https://www.discogs.com/Charlie-Parker-The-Fabulous-Bird/master/479890

a. via Mono Cartridge, preamp stereo mode, dual mono both speakers.

b. via Mono Cartridge, McIntosh Preamp Mode Switch L+R to L, it was better from only 1 speaker.

c. via Mono Cartridge, Mode Switch Stereo, balance control full left, also better than Mono from two speakers.

So, Assuming Mono Cartridge, to get only 1 speaker:

IF you don't have a Mode Switch, but do have a balance control, that does it.

Or, can you somehow disable one speaker? Try it once at least,
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Erik mentioned One CENTERED Speaker. That would not be possible for me and I suspect most.

I have my speakers toed in and simply used a speaker away from but near a corner, the one diagonally away from my mono listening position (which is not centered) further away from my normal listening position, it sounded great. One speaker does produce more distinction than dual Mono. I think it is a mistake to listen from your normal 'perfect' listening position, the habit of seeking imaging is strong, and any slight drifting from center is distracting.

Thanks Erik

My speakers are hard to balance to each other, two attenuators, 1 for horn tweeter, 1 for mid horn. You cannot have certain frequencies going off center sporadically. i.e. Casandra Wilson’s (other singer’s) voice, any Piano,

I love my McIntosh Mode Control as an assist in blending my Speakers frequency performance L to R, as well as volume balance.

Stereo Reverse is a great tool. Mono, L+R to L; ....