Turntables

Morsegist, you do not need two tonearms or a mono cartridge to enjoy mono LPs. You only need a mono switch on your preamplifier. Most (not all) mono cartridges are derived from stereo designs by internal bridging of the L and R channels, which can alternately be done in the preamplifier. For a purist there ARE arguments in favor of true mono cartridges, but you’ll get most of the benefits from a mono switch.

Interesting, and thanks for that, overthemoon. I found a reference to this issue on the Ortofon website, which is loaded with great information, including videos..  See below:

Why should you use a dedicated mono cartridge for playing vinyl mono records?

On a mono record the signal is cut only in the lateral dimension whereas a stereo record is cut at +/- 45 degrees into the opposing groove-walls, see the below figure.

A stereo cartridge will be able to replay stereo and mono records, because mono is a special version of stereo where the right and left channels are identical.

While a stereo cartridge can play mono records it can’t achieve the same signal precision between the two channels. A mono cartridge produces but one signal that is directed to both channels in the system. A mono cartridge playing a mono record produces a more forceful and stable image with a fuller, more impactful sound.

Another big advantage in using a mono cartridge to play mono records is the absence of response to vertical movement. This means that a mono cartridge is basically immune to the pinching effect which comes into action when the stylus is pushed vertically upward in very narrow grooves. Also the response to dust, dirt and wear is reduced substantially. The final result will be a clean and noiseless reproduction of the mono record.

Did you read where I wrote “for the purist”?

What does Ortofon sell?  Answer: Cartridges!!!  And the more of them you buy, the better it is for Ortofon.  You came here looking to buy a particular turntable which happens to have the limitation that it can mount only one tonearm.  Others made you feel that your life will not be complete until you have two tonearms, one for mono LPs.  I am telling you that 90% of the benefit of playing mono LPs in mono can be had by using the mono switch on your line stage; you don’t “need” a mono cartridge.  You are of course free to spend your money however you wish.

Sure, I saw that. Sadly, my pre doesn’t have a mono switch. I haven’t looked, but I suppose there is such a switch I could chain into the system. But, I do like to fiddle, so I’ll probably get Ortofon’s 2M Mono SE cart. There will be some trouble to go to, changing the thing on and off. But I’m hoping it will be worth the effort! We’ll see!

"great reviews by Rega afficionados" is enough to make mew question it.  I haven't heard a decent Rega table for anywhere near it's retail price.  None.