Please explain mono

The "Back to Mono" post by @russ69 is a reference to Phil Spector, who in the early-70’s had a batch of buttons made with that phrase emblazoned on them. There are pictures of Phil with John Lennon during the recordings of John’s Rock ’n’ Roll album in which Phil is wearing one.

The singer/songwriter/organist leader of the Garage Band known as The Lyres---whose given name is Jeff Conolly---went by the name Monoman. I have a bunch of their albums (on LP and CD), and saw them live in the late-80’s at Club Lingerie on Sunset Blvd. One of the most exciting live bands I’ve ever seen. The sound system at the venue was a mono one. 

@bdp24 makes an interesting point, most live events are mixed in a mono fashion (there is sometimes a little panning in the PA system, but it is primarily mono to ensure the audience hear the ‘same’ concert). So when you go to gig the ‘live’ sound is often mono, except in small venues or jazz clubs, whereas recordings of concerts are made I stereo. So both are great!

I enjoy listening to solo piano music (classical, jazz, etc) in mono.  I play records or CDs through my Pioneer SA-1000 (as a preamplifier) into my Alan Eaton 45 tube mono power amplifier with a vintage Soundcraftsmen 2640TX speaker.  To me, solo piano sounds great from one speaker.

I have a Benz Glider Mono and use it exclusively for playing mono recordings. Listen to Illinois Jacquet Swings the Thing, Verve 45 rpm Mono rerelease originally recorded 1956. You will likely understand the appeal of mono. It's a great experience, equal but different to listening to well recorded stereo music 

Unfortunately I don't have the space or funds to do a separate mono system.  I did listen to a good mono lp the other night and it was really good.   Not as good as my fav stereo lps but good.  Maybe in the future after my analog stereo set up is dialed in ill venture into mono.  For the time being i won't be discouraged from buying mono thanks to the knowledgeable people on this site. Thanks all!!!