Rip stereo to mono

It still easier to convert the stereo signal to mono using Y cables.

Not good practice, IMO. To the extent that the signals on the two channels differ, the output stages that drive the two channels will fight each other, adversely affecting sonics.

Another way to put it is that the output stage of each channel will have to drive the stereo component of the signal into a load impedance equal to the output impedance of the stage driving the other channel, which will be very low compared to the impedances it is designed to drive.

Regards,
-- Al

Thanks to all for the help. Will check out Audacity.
Doug

I have done many times in home installs. It works well with two opposite Y cables. One combines the signal and the other splits it again so it can go to two channels. The cables can be used on a CD player output or any stereo device. I've never heard any adverse effects with solid state equipment.