OK...I've ditched my mono cartridge


Like many others I suspect, after the Beatles Mono release Box Set
http://i.imgur.com/JhcIBai.jpg
I read a lot about the 'supposed' benefits of a true mono cartridge over simply using the 'mono' button in a phono-stage/preamp.
So I was persuaded to try one (without breaking the bank).
http://i.imgur.com/yHeUiPH.jpg
It's now been 18 months of listening and comparing the AT 33Mono
http://i.imgur.com/C3bAOfA.jpg
with all my other favourite stereo cartridges played with the mono button on the Halcro DM10 preamp.
Firstly...I'm not a fan of the AT33 sound. Compared to my short-listed dozen cartridges out of the 80+ I have owned, it lacks sparkle, depth, bass and 'life'...😩
Why have I narrowed down my worldwide search for the 'ideal' cartridge to a mere handful....to then just meekly accept the second rate performance of a 'hack' cartridge simply because it's a 'true' mono?
And why would anyone who has invested in a Koetsu Coralstone, Atlas, Anna, Goldfinger or Airtight for their stereo listening pleasure.....'step-down' to a lesser cartridge for their mono listening?
Oh...I know you can buy better sounding mono cartridges than the AT-33Mono.....but how many are you going to try to hope to match your favourite stereo ones?
Now that I've ditched the 33Mono.....I can listen to all my great cartridges with all their diverse flavours just as I do for stereo recordings.
And I never really did hear a special difference in the dedicated 'mono' one even though I half persuaded myself that I should...🤓
128x128halcro

Showing 2 responses by fleib

Lew,

To say Halcro's results are, or not the result of price is laying it on a little thick.  Are you like a fan boy who must devastate all opposition?

Just because you or Halcro chose not to go with a mono cart, does not mean there is no benefit. 

Regards,

Pryso, This has been beaten to the ground on multiple threads and of course viability depends on a record collection. If someone has very good stereo carts and a collection of mono reissues, they will get performance beyond that of a stereo cart and a mono switch, with a high quality mono cart. This is with vertical compliance to play a modern reissue in a reasonable manner.

Even if vertical rejection is 30dB - same as a mono switch, the 45° groove wall has two sides, just like a stereo record. With a stereo cart there is always a difference between channels - output, phase, etc. That difference gets combined with a mono switch.

I can't say it's worth it for any individual user, but companies like Ortofon and Lyra make high end mono carts.

Regards,