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

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.

You’re talking about OLD mono. If mono is the only version (originally recorded in mono) then it’s fine and it’s better to buy mono LP, right. You need only one speaker for those records and it’s OK.

But in the 70’s stereo is the way to go, I much prefer original stereo records (not fake stereo). I don’t know why do we need mono today if stereo is available? Who prefer to record in mono today and why?

For archivist of very old mono records (when stereo was not available) mono is the right format, but in general real stereo records are absolutely amazing. Maybe it was a bit weight with early stereo, but in the 60s and 70s stereo records are fantastic!

P.S. I'm not talking about reissues

"Sorry, June Christy, not Julie Christy "

lewm-
You are referring to Julie London. I bring a  1955 mint  mono copy of "Julie is her name" to demos/shows. It's on the Liberty Label. Always catches the attention of anyone in the room. It is a fine example of a mono recording. 

This is my favorite rendition of "Laura". A perfect recording. Dixie McCall(Julie in the TV show "Emergency") is in the room
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBnqZDdQ18Y

There is a 45 reissue available of this album, almost as good a clean original.

Everyone should have this album in their collection. Jazz heavyweights playing on the album.My favorite guitarist-Barney Kessel playing beautiful as always.

You’re talking about OLD mono. If mono is the only version (originally recorded in mono) then it’s fine and it’s better to buy mono LP, right. You need only one speaker for those records and it’s OK.

But in the 70’s stereo is the way to go, I much prefer original stereo records (not fake stereo). I don’t know why do we need mono today if stereo is available? Who prefer to record in mono today and why?

Here is one instance where I see absolutely no use for stereo. . think Bob Dylan on his early records when it was him, guitar, and harp. When they put some of them out in stereo they panned the guitar one way and the harp the other with his voice in the middle. Completely unnatural and distracting, much better in mono

In the early days of stereo  they tended to show it off by putting some instruments hard left , some hard right, and often left a hole in the middle. There are a lot of small group jazz recordings (trio, quartet) like that. Debatable which is preferable, but definitely not the best use of stereo.

One argument you hear for mono is it allows you to concentrate on the music because your brain doesn't have to process the stereo. Makes some sense.. at a live performance you seldom if ever get the sense of separation and the precise location of instruments in space that you get with a "well done" stereo recording. For most amplified concerts it is a wall of sound, there is no left and right. If the goal really is the proverbial "Absolute Sound" of recreating live performances most stereo falls far short in that regard.

So the question is.. do you prefer the music in stereo or is it the fun of listening to the soundstage they are creating, the unnatural soundstage in most cases. No right or wrong, but a perhaps a valid reason why some may prefer mono for recordings done in stereo.

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Tablejockey, No, I am referring to June Christy, not Julie London. I well know the difference between them, and I own albums by both artists. June Christy started her career shortly after WW2, before Julie London hit the scene. She was briefly married to the bandleader, Stan Kenton. She started her career singing with the Kenton band. She was later superseded in that band by Chris Connors. June Christy’s album “Something Cool” is a jazz vocal classic and one of my favorites. Which is why I own both stereo and mono versions.

Once I understood and heard what mono is all about, stereo just adds to the "its not real, it's a recording" reality.

Now and then, the mix in a stereo LP is believable.  I just don't get the thinking-putting vocals on one side? Vocals should be mixed to both channels so the speakers can do their work "imaging". I do think mono thru 2 speakers is more convincing.

If you want to be real obsessive- listen to how a rock drummer blows through his kit. It should pan right to left(that's how it is live" if you're facing the band) Only if the drummers  playing orientation is the opposite should it pan the other way(not common). Many recordings are backward in this regard. Listen to the hihat. It should be on the right speaker. I don't know if this is a "reverse phase" phonomenon situation or what? Certainly isn't my particular amp. I sometimes reverse leads on the table for this.

I've noticed this years ago, and anytime my drummer friend is over for a listen he immediately notices it.