Hi!
I’ve read that installing a mono cartridge / stylus for mono LP playback will result in better sound than a stereo cartridge / stylus.
I have a collection of early- to mid-1950s LPs and am considering installing an Ortofon 2M mono on a second turntable (Thorens TD-160) and dedicating that as a mono set-up. That seems pretty straightforward.
However, I also have several dozen mono LPs from the “stereo”-era; unlike the earlier LPs, these are labelled as “mono” and range from the late-1950s through the 1980s falling into three basic categories:
Mono versions of releases that were concurrently released in stereo (e.g. a mono version of an RCA “Living Stereo” release)
Historic reissues of earlier mono recordings from the pre-LP era (e.g. Fritz Kreisler originally released on 78rpm)
Recent audiophile mono reissues of hard-to-find / super-expensive 50s jazz releases (e.g. Analogue Productions Verve reissues)
I’ve also read that playing a stereo LP with a mono stylus will result in damage.
So my question: Are all mono LPs pressed with a “mono microgroove”? Or, are the later mono releases pressed using a stereo groove (assuming that, by that point, everyone had a stereo stylus) for compatibility?
Thanks for posting your message. I was looking the same mono cart. Looking at the specs and the description, you should be able to use without any issues for your needs.
James, all mono recordings should play more optimally with a mono cart. However, true original release monos like from around the 50s and earlier may sound better with mono carts that are outfitted with a 1 mil (as opposed to .7 mil) stylus. A 1 mil stylus is generally not recommended for modern mono records (rides too high in the groove of modern mono records). Typically I’ve found that a .7 mil stylus is the better best if you have mono records over a mix of eras.
Now having said all this, it’s based on the belief by many manufacturers that mono carts should have only spherical or elliptical styli. Some, like Peter Lederman of Soundsmith do not agree, and offer mono carts with modern stylus shapes. I’ve spoken with him about this. His feeling is that these more refined shapes on mono carts can provide better sound on mono records.
A true mono cart (no vertical compliance) will damage stereo recordings. But I’m not sure about unusual stylus shapes on true mono carts for mono recordings. Peter offers them, though I’m not sure if his mono carts are true monos. A stereo cart should not damage a mono record.
My understanding regarding reissues of mono recordings is that the newer records are cut with a lathe using a stereo type of cutterhead. This configuration allows playback using stereo cartridges and modern mono cartridges (which have vertical compliance).
You might be amazed by the improvement in sound quality using a mono cartridge. I have experienced much less noise and a remarkably focused soundstage that exhibits depth compared to playback with a stereo cartridge.
I have not experienced any diminution of sound quality on reissued mono records using a modern mono cartridge on repeated playbacks. In my case I am currently using a Hana mono cart.
Thanks for all the replies! Good to validate the assumption that all mono pressings are safe for playback on mono cartridges regardless of era
Most of my mono pressings were inherited from my grandparents, and there’s more than a bit of nostalgia involved. Was mildly concerned that I’d wind-up sacrificing a few records to test that idea
Amusing story: My wife has been a very good sport about this vinyl habit and how much space it takes up in our home.
A few years ago we were at a record shop, and while she was waiting on me she saw someone else looking at 78s. She asked him how many he had and how he plays them, and he responded, “About ten thousand, and I don’t play them. I just collect 'em”.
When she came back over to where I was crawling through the bins, I showed her what I had and said, “We’re gonna need a bigger boat.” She gave me a slightly pained look and quipped, “If you ever reach the point that you’re collecting these like baseball cards, that’s it… I’m gone”.
My wife is all too understanding regarding record collecting. Lucky me! Realistically it has to a need to thin the herd, as we both agree there is no point in adding additional storage capabilities, setting digital opportunities to the side, for music or books.
