I learned here that playing Mono LP’s with a Mono cartridge is better than playing with a Stereo Cartridge even if using a ’mono’ control on a preamp.
I found it is definitely true. It makes a bit/some/a lot of improvement.
examples:
An historic compilation of early jazz: listening via stereo, not involving, came off as a history lesson, probably would never play it again.
Received my Grado Mono cartridge, wow, it was so much better. Not imaging, but individual instruments became distinct, you could readily hear Louis’s trumpet ... The Stereo cartridge reacts to any vertical input, dirt in the groove, warps, and makes ’hash’, and it doubles the hash, sending it to both channels. A very large difference.
I just sold an original issue Thelonious Monk. Normally I don’t sell any audible problem, however buyers ask for specific things, soooo
The LP has an audible scuff about 1/2" long in one track, otherwise it’s fine.
I listened with Stereo, noise was the same volume as the content. That track definitely not enjoyable. I listened playing Mono, the amount of audible noise was reduced two ways: first, the sound of the scuff was considerably lower volume than the content, acceptable enjoyment. secondly, the duration of any noise was reduced in program length.
I advised the buyer he would only get thru that track happily with a Mono cartridge. He bought the LP, bought himself a Mono cartridge, left me great feedback. He is evidently a collector, wanted my original riverside issue which is rare it seems.
Others: I don’t own a lot of lps in both formats, but I can definitely say many many of my Mono Jazz LPs sound terrific. They had excellent equipment and techniques long before stereo.
I found it is definitely true. It makes a bit/some/a lot of improvement.
examples:
An historic compilation of early jazz: listening via stereo, not involving, came off as a history lesson, probably would never play it again.
Received my Grado Mono cartridge, wow, it was so much better. Not imaging, but individual instruments became distinct, you could readily hear Louis’s trumpet ... The Stereo cartridge reacts to any vertical input, dirt in the groove, warps, and makes ’hash’, and it doubles the hash, sending it to both channels. A very large difference.
I just sold an original issue Thelonious Monk. Normally I don’t sell any audible problem, however buyers ask for specific things, soooo
The LP has an audible scuff about 1/2" long in one track, otherwise it’s fine.
I listened with Stereo, noise was the same volume as the content. That track definitely not enjoyable. I listened playing Mono, the amount of audible noise was reduced two ways: first, the sound of the scuff was considerably lower volume than the content, acceptable enjoyment. secondly, the duration of any noise was reduced in program length.
I advised the buyer he would only get thru that track happily with a Mono cartridge. He bought the LP, bought himself a Mono cartridge, left me great feedback. He is evidently a collector, wanted my original riverside issue which is rare it seems.
Others: I don’t own a lot of lps in both formats, but I can definitely say many many of my Mono Jazz LPs sound terrific. They had excellent equipment and techniques long before stereo.