FWIW, if you are looking used for a phono preamp, I have a PS Audio GCPH that has a mono switch. It's a great preamp and very versatile with lots of loading options. I use a different preamp now, but kept the GCPH for a back up.
Playing mono records properly without breaking the bank - a phono pre-amp question.
Hi there.. I can use some suggestions for playing mono records properly.I'm about to put together my vinyl system and trying to figure out how to best play mono records without having to either buy a separate TT, have a turntable with two tone arms or have a switchable head-shell, all of which are not an option at the moment. Someday, I think having two tone arms will be the way, but now I need the most economical way to have a nice experience.
I will have at a minimum, a nice stereo stylus/cartridge, but I'm wondering if I should be focusing my phono-preamp search to those with a dedicated mono switch? I have a Hegel integrated and there's no mono option.
Are there simple ways (contraptions) other than a phono-preamp with a mono switch, to achieve high quality mono playback with a stereo stylus? My search for the right phono preamp would be much easier if I knew I didn't need to make sure it had mono.
Appreciate any suggestion or direction - would love to hear your person experience playing mono on a generally "stereo" rig.
I will have at a minimum, a nice stereo stylus/cartridge, but I'm wondering if I should be focusing my phono-preamp search to those with a dedicated mono switch? I have a Hegel integrated and there's no mono option.
Are there simple ways (contraptions) other than a phono-preamp with a mono switch, to achieve high quality mono playback with a stereo stylus? My search for the right phono preamp would be much easier if I knew I didn't need to make sure it had mono.
Appreciate any suggestion or direction - would love to hear your person experience playing mono on a generally "stereo" rig.
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- 52 posts total
I play a lot of Mono Jazz LP's from the late 40's early 50's. Most cartridges will play Stereo and Mono well. For your described use, TT with Stereo cartridge is all you need. Last night I listened to mostly Mono Jazz LPs for 3 hrs with an audiophile friend. They all sounded quite involving (you will find, stereo or mono, it depends on the recording engineer's skills as much as the artists). I moved my McIntosh MODE switch to Mono, back to Stereo, both sound very good, some might be slightly better in Mono mode, but Mono played by Stereo cartridge is still quite involving. LP Stereo playback began in 1958. Some engineers anticipated that and recorded with two or more mics to be ready. Those masters can be re-engineered to Stereo successfully. Avoid 'mono reprocessed to stereo', they generally sound worse than the mono original. .................................... I do advise that you get a TT with the possibility of adjustments. I use this fully adjustable TT which fits your budget https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT-LP120XUSB-Direct-Drive-Hi-Fidelity-Anti-Skate/dp/B07N3S4X3P/ref=asc_df_B07N3S4X3P/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312150547590&hvpos=1o2&hvnetw=g&hvrand=8381325411824345964&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9003512&hvtargid=pla-681677883325&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=70581793108&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=312150547590&hvpos=1o2&hvnetw=g&hvrand=8381325411824345964&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9003512&hvtargid=pla-681677883325 The supplied cartridge is factory aligned, just level the TT and off you go. You may never change anything, but, then again, you might. I changed the cartridge to this one (so I could lower the tracking weight). https://hifiheaven.net/shop/Shure-M97xE-Audiophile-Phono-Cartridge?language=en¤cy=USD&gclid=Cj0KCQiA_rfvBRCPARIsANlV66MTfCEX1XGRPd6RY8AFCDxTaPR1TXzZgw3rNCawEV6Nlr320_5Wfw4aAs4iEALw_wcB .................................... McIntosh MODE Switch has a MONO mode. (some, not all models). Stereo; Mono; Reverse Stereo; L or R hither and thither separately or together. Mode Switch is a great help when balancing your system. Stereo Reverse is very revealing of any imbalance. My speakers have two rheostats for brilliance and Presence. They need to match each other, the Mode Dial is a big help with that. IF you change a cartridge, or check your existing one, Stereo Reverse is very helpful refining anti-skating for proper l/r groove tracking. L to R, ... all help get it right, I wouldn't live without it. |
remote controlled stereo/mono switch. add it later if desired https://www.kabusa.com/frameset.htm?/m1200.htm |
you need to go to the home page, scroll down, it's next to the last item https://www.kabusa.com/frameset.htm?/m1200.htm |
- 52 posts total