Please explain mono

“what is the purpose of mono in today's day and age and with about anything available in stereo”

Well, not quite!  Mono can seem like an odd choice, but it has a unique place in music and audio for several reasons. 

Many classic recordings, especially from the 1950s and earlier, were originally produced in mono. These include iconic jazz, blues, and early rock albums. Listening to these recordings in mono preserves the integrity of the original mix and the artist’s intent. Stereo versions of these recordings are often artificially created and can sound unnatural.

Some may argue but if you have an analog system with mono cart, you can truly appreciate a single, cohesive soundstage. Instead of spreading instruments across a stereo field, everything is centered, which can make the music feel more direct and intimate. This is particularly effective for certain genres, like vocal-centric jazz or early rock ‘n’ roll, where the focus is on the performance rather than spatial effects.

Mono playback is also least affected by room acoustics and speaker placement compared to stereo. If your listening space isn’t ideal for creating a balanced stereo image, mono can deliver a more consistent and enjoyable experience.

And lastly, there is some contemporary artists and engineers choose mono for its aesthetic qualities. If you get a chance, try listening to a well-mastered mono record - it’s a different kind of magic.

Thanks you.  Good explanation 

Should point out that while the mono switch is useful for those without separate mono cartridges, these recordings should be listened to from a single speaker, or pair very close together to get the tonal balance right.

Our heads provide natural L to R cancellations which stereo recordings take into account but mono may not. 

This does not apply to headphone listening though.

Best,

Erik

@lalitk 

+1 well said.

While I know some real advocates for mono… those saying the mono Beatles audiophile reissue has better tone and sounds better. For me personally, and this is me not everyone, mono recording are a huge letdown. The music must be simply incredible to hold my attention… for instant Fats Waller… recording in the 30’s and 40’s is so unbelievably good I’ll occasionally listen to it. 

Insofar as the mono cartridge thing goes, if you have a setup with two tonearms you are blessed.  Most aren't gonna have this, and even if you have switchable headshells most likely further setup is warranted.  Myself, I have found playing a mono record with my stereo cartridge works fine.  I guess a mono cartridge would do much to center the sound, but I've been shocked with some of my good-quality 50's mono records sounding very much like some sort of stereo!  I guess I'm not a purest, but the bottom line here is that you may not be missing much in an audiophile sense by listening to a mono record.  Certainly you may be listening to a performance that you can't hear any other way.  I just got an original copy of Schwartzkopf's 1954 LP performance of Strauss' Four Last Songs, cleaned it up, and I would never let that thing go.