uberwaltz
this, from that ortofon article is what convinced me to get a dedicated mono cartridge.
"Another significant advantage of using a mono cartridge to play mono records is the absence of response to vertical movement. This means that a mono cartridge is essentially impervious to the pinching effect which comes into action when the stylus is pushed vertically upward in very narrow grooves. In addition, the response to dust, dirt and wear will be reduced substantially as the vertical component will not be heard. The final result will be a much more clean and noiseless reproduction of the mono record. These effects simply cannot be achieved merely by the use of a mono switch."
paying more attention since reading that, I realize there is definitely room for improvement even when using my McIntosh Mono Mode.
I picked the Grado ME+
https://gradolabs.com/cartridges/prestige-series-specialty-cartridges/item/79-mono-phono
High Output, Elliptical, their description of their innards is convincing. And the price beats Ortofon Shibata Stylus.
I'll know in about a week when it all comes together.