Mono cartridge recommendation

Be aware also that if you use different cartridges for mono vs stereo, then you are introducing another variable to the question of whether a mono switch is superior or inferior to using a mono cartridge.  Could be you like the mono cartridge per se better than your stereo cartridge, or vice-versa. Technically, most modern mono cartridges are stereo cartridges that have been bridged internally for mono operation, which is pretty much what the mono switch does to the signal from a stereo cartridge playing a mono LP.  Any differences in sonics could be due to the fact that in a cartridge, the bridging is done before amplification and application of RIAA correction.  In a preamplifier, the mono switch operates on a fully amplified and corrected signal, before feeding the amplifier.  This has been discussed a zillion times on this forum.

@flatblackround  Thanks for the advice.

My primary table is a VPI TNT 4 with an ET 2.5 tonearm and various MC carts on different armwands

The new one coming is a VPI sold Frankentable with the plinth from a scout, the platter and bearing from a TNT 4, classic signature feet, and just a JMW tonearm base with a bent unipivot point, no armwand.

I have a couple of tonearms laying around, and depending on what cartridge I wind up getting, I'll use a tonearm that matches.

My budget, for me at least, represents dipping my toes in.  The table won't be exclusively mono, but probably will be most of the time.  Mostly because I have yet to decide whether to keep my old Denon for checking out used purchases before I throw them on the main rig.

In a year or so, I will probably reassess the second table, and look for a "forever" tonearm for it along with a better mono cartridge.  This is the second recommendation for the Zero, and it will surely be on my short list.

Sounds like you will be setting up two tables, one specifically for mono.  That is what I do since I have many mono albums.  I recommend you start with one of the less expensive cartridges.  I dipped my toes into mono with the Grado M+ and later the  Myajima Zero.  Improved timbre across the board and female voices are extremely well rendered.  Signal to noise greatly improved with true mono cartridges as Elliottb stated. The question is how deep do you want to go. 

@lewm 

Thanks for that.  I did notice that in some of the literature for some of the cartridges, it did mention bridging the left and right.  Also some mentioned different stylus profiles.  I currently do use the mono switch on my preamp when listening to mono records, though sometimes I do forget.

I'm wondering, how much the stylus profiles, as Elliot mentioned, play into the noise reduction?

Sorry about the double post.
Great you are already in waist deep.  Go for it and have fun with mono.  Myajima makes monos in the $1k range also.  At least they used to.