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Mono vinyl, how do you know if really single channel mono or if stereo recorded to mono

I'm exploring the possibility of getting a mono cartridge. 

Please, I am not trying to start a debate about whether or not that is a good idea. I simply have a question about monophonic records.

How can you tell which records are truly mono and which are actually stereo with 2 identical channels to simulate mono?

I know that for all mono records before stereo there was only one channel cut laterally into the record .  When stereo came out some so called mono recordings were actually 2 channels just like a stereo record with both horizontal and vertical information but  L and R were the same so ended up as mono. I also know that a "true mono" cartridge only has output from the horizontal motion and that the stylus size is different than a stereo stylus, which means according to many aficionados of mono recordings,  in an ideal world you would want a cartridge optimized for mono to play true mono records

again, I do not want to debate the pros and cons of this, just want the facts about the records. If you want to debate something else please start another thread

thanks


herman
herman OP
2,261 posts
 
Lastly, a mono record cut with a properly aligned stereo cutterhead will be no different to using a mono head, as long as the signal supplied is the exact same for both channels. The cutting stylus chosen should also ensure the production of sufficiently deep and wide grooves in order to accommodate those users wanting to replay mono with a traditional spherical 25µm stylus.

I found this on the Ortofon site so answers one question.

a good resource

https://www.ortofon.com/hifi/cartridges-ranges/true-mono/

it also appears that for optimum performance a "true mono" cartridge is desirable i.e one that only generates output from lateral motion, not a stereo cartridge strapped to mono or by using a mono button on a phono stage if it has one.



chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
If you’re using MM mono cartridge then a cartridge generator must be true mono, but you can add stereo stylus with advanced profile (or any profile you need for different mono records)! Check this thread.

If your records are new mono reissues then you don’t need those old mono cartridges with huge conical styli (they are made for mono records pressed before 1950 with wider groove).

The first question is pressing then you can choose a cartridge for them.
I wouldn’t even buy a re-issues, old mono originals are better.
New music rarely recorded in mono.

Buy original mono records if you want the best quality in mono.
tablejockey
3,934 posts
 
One of those  "thinking too hard about it" questions that isn't clear.

Just enjoy your mono presses on your existing system. Have you even played a mono record on your existing setup? They will sound fine on whatever you have. If your nervosa is overtaking you, get a mono cartridge. 
flatblackround's avatar
flatblackround
279 posts
 
Yes, you can get deep in the weeds trying to match cartridges and stylus to different vintages and labels of pressings in both mono and stereo.  The question is how many monos do you have or want to acquire.  I started testing with inexpensive mono cartridges and determined that they are well worth it, compared to using a stereo cartridge, or a stereo cartridge and the mono switch on my preamp.  Now my most expensive cartridge is mono on a separate TT, but I have a large collection of vintage mono pressings.   
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