Mono recordings - Listen with one speaker or two??

Years ago I had an old Altec triangular corner cabinet from the 50's. I used to listen to mono recordings through it alone, and it was really interesting. However I prefer mono through 2 speakers. I love the way it hangs in space.

If you are listening to the two speakers from a position which is centered between them, then the fact that there are two speakers would have the advantage of tending to smooth out unwanted room effects. So two speakers would likely be better in that situation than listening to a single speaker directly in front of you.

If you are listening from random other positions around the room, then I would imagine that having a single speaker might be better, because with two speakers comb filtering effects might arise due to having the same sound reaching your ears at multiple arrival times.

I've listened to numerous mono recordings (classical) with two speakers, from a properly centered listening position, and I've never sensed anything amiss. Like Chashmal, "I love the way it hangs in space."

Regards,
-- Al

five speakers if you like...or earbuds.

To properly listen to mono you should cover one ear, otherwise the stereo perspective of using 2 ears will degrade the pure mono experience. I started with mono, 2 speakers are better.

My friend says that using a mono phono cartridge is the way to go... no vertical component in the groove wall and way less noise. He said there is a Denon model for less than $200 that is very good.

Other than that, I don't think it makes that much difference whether you listen to one or two speakers, although if you're listening directly on axis to only one speaker, the sound will likely be brighter and have less bass.