Real Mono is the Real Deal
One of the reasons I went to two tonearms is to have a true Mono Cartridge mounted, calibrated, ready to swap arms from a Stereo LP to a Mono LP in a listening session in seconds. i.e. Oscar Peterson (so many greats made their reputations in the late 40’s, early 50’s)
The recording techniques were well advanced prior to Stereo.
Rudy Van Gelder watched the big music producers established Mono team come in, record performance; then new wiz kids Stereo Team come in, pay the studio and musicians for another session, and record Stereo. He didn’t have the $ for that, so he recorded one session in Stereo, and mixed Mono from that, and had the Stereo Master for later.
Mechanics: For simplicity, my SUT takes 3 arms, front selector switch, and only one cable out to preamp. It also has PASS so you can use MC and MM at will.
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Stylus:
original spherical, I do not have one
elliptical: my Grado Mono is MM elliptacal
advanced stylus: I bought an AT33PTGII MC Mono version with broken stylus and had Steve at VAS put a boron/advanced stylus on it,
I went to 3 arms, the Acos Lustre GST-801 has both removable headshell, and the easiest VTA arm height lever you can imagine, so it’s my change headshell/cartridge at will arm: MC, MM, Stereo, Mono.; friends cartridges to hear here.
The McIntosh mx110z preamp (many vintage models) also has a Mode Switch
see manual page 7
https://www.thetubestore.com/lib/thetubestore/schematics/McIntosh/McIntosh-MX110-Z-Series-Owner-Manual.pdf
which I would never live without. Not only Mono, but I need the other modes to help perfect the balance of my vintage speakers with two level controls each side.
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Audible Difference: I have a collection of music from late 20's to 30's, including early Louis Armstrong.
First play with Stereo MM, a history lesson, where's Louis? Wall of mud. I would never listen to it again.
2nd play with Grado true mono elliptical: wow, there's louis, there's the trombone. Not imaging, but the distinction of individual instruments came alive.
Other demo's of Mono from early 50's, friends learn quickly the advantage of a true mono cartridge.
Jim showed up with Rubber Soul and Revolver; Stereo and Mono LP's of each. The difference was that the 'better', 'imaging' more involving stereo sound LP while impressive, definitely detracted from the verbal, the comprehensive grasp of the songs. We both preferred the Mono LP's.
In the early 60's, LP's were Mono $2.00; Stereo $3.00. I had a budget of $6. per payday/week: 3 Mono or two Stereo. Playback equipment wasn't great, so you had to lay your bets on future play.
Stones, Kinks, Animals. Zombies, Original Piano Based Moody Blues, oh my god such great bands
