Funny to ask here and to buy what's in the reviews online.
how so "funny" ?? You find it odd to seek out as many opinions as I can before I buy ??
what other sources of information would you suggest ?? Believe it or not, there aren't any bricks and mortar dealers within 200 miles of here and those that exist don't deal with analog very much if at all .. so online reviews, online opinions here, online opinions on other forums, online whatever is all I have to go with.
I have not yet owned any MONO record that better than Stereo.
I have many records that were recorded mono before stereo existed or was just catching on so no stereo masters exist. .Any stereo version of these is "electronically enhanced" .. tough to see how the stereo version could be better... I'll let you know. I've read review after review and many opinions from those who repeatedly attest that the mono versions of these early recordings especially played with a quality mono cartridge are absolutely better. I have yet to read where mono turned into stereo is better, I've yet to hear anybody say that they prefer these older mono recordings played with a stereo cartridge.