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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.

hrabieh
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
13,381 posts
 
Found this article interesting to read.

https://www.ortofon.com/hifi/cartridges-ranges/true-mono/
elliottbnewcombjr
5,346 posts
 
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.
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
Just play the darn record! Forget about all that garbage about needing a special set up for Mono records. Just another way to get your money.
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
13,381 posts
 
Ah forgot, Mijo knows more than Ortofon and Grado et al.

Thanks for the informative post!
elliottbnewcombjr
5,346 posts
 
I asked for this as a Christmas Gift from my Neice

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Abbey-Lincoln-Straight-Ahead-Jazz-Man-JAZ-5043-SEALED-REISSUE-LP-NEW-OLD-STOCK/382864848599?hash=item592485f6d7:g:wNYAAOSwqxRa398Q

Played it using AT440ML Microline Stylus is great shape sounding fab on Stereo LP's.

McIntosh Mode switch in Mono.

There was no solid center image. Unfocused random low level sounds from left, right, off center.

It's second play will be with my Grado ME+ cartridge that is in transit. I will report back!


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