Mono switch on phono preamp vs Mono Cartridge

It’s a tough question if you are looking for first hand info, in that very few have compared exactly the same cartridge, with the same stylus, in mono and stereo versions, using a preamp with a mono button for the comparison. But certainly someone has and I hope that they will pop in.

That said my opinion, based on using a Miyajima Kotetu mono cartridge, is that a mono phonograph cartridge is the way to go, all things being equal. But in your case all things are not equal, because you are suggesting ham stringing the mono cartridge with a lesser tonearm. And, for $1200 all in, it implies that you will not be getting a cartridge that is equivilent in performance to your HANA ML. And I would suggest passing on that idea. Kind of one step forward, and one step back. Good luck no matter which direction you go in.

IMHO, it is a very large jump on the monos that I play, which are not the modern monos you are asking about, but old Blue Notes, Columbia 6-eyes, Vanguard, Pacific Jazz, etc. From back in the day. So my opinion holds no currency for the records that you will be playing.

thanks, you are right, I think the question is then more general, comparison between a mono button vs mono cartridge, how big of a jump, or advantage does it have on playback.

And yes, basically looking at potentially , with patience and time: rb330 (used), hana SL mono (used) and Transrotor Arm Base. 

As it happens I have compared both ways, own both, use both and can answer your question.  The short answer is the button will give you about 60% of what you would get with a mono cartridge.  The button (at least my set up) is prone to a bit of hum, easily subsumed by the music.  The long answer.  Cartridges compared:  AT 33 Mono vs. AT 33PTG/2 and Ortofon 2M Black LVB vs. 2M Mono SE (the mono version of the Black).  For a button I turned to KAB.  I used my C-J ART Phono initially and then later my PS Audio Stellar phono pre.  For the AT cartridges I tried both with and without a Bob's Devices SUT.  For Line and power it was C-J initially and later Marantz.   The results were consistent with any combination of phono stage, MM or MC, etc.  If I were you, I'd buy a mono cartridge, I agree with @viridian that it would be best to match your Hana ML if possible.

OP,  Great question.

@billstevenson Great answer.