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Does anyone have a dedicated TT for mono LP playback? Does it sound significantly better than mono playback on stereo or using phono pre with mono switch? Thanks.
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... I DO have a dedicated set of carts and headshells for 78 and mono that I swap out, and at times have used a dedicated mono amp and speaker (my old Heathkit AA151 has a switch that will play L or R amp only, and that was the beginning). Using the single/mono speaker IMO is key to getting the whole experience right, since two speakers are still going to suggest or simulate stereo, even if limited.
Like M3 Lover pointed out, it's best for records actually produced during the mono era, and it isn't necessarily some gateway to Nirvana, but in many cases, it is really delightful and a much different experience than the same music reproduced in 2-channel.
Bob, I've posted this before, but it is based upon general knowledge, not extensive personal experience.
I believe it depends on which mono LPs you intend to play, and of course how many may help justify the expense.
If you have a sufficient number of original mono releases, issued before about 1970, then a mono cartridge with the proper stylus size may offer the best results.
But if your mono records are reissues produced in the past 20 years or so of classic recordings, then a stereo cartridge with a mono switch may be best.
I suggest this since mono reissues were almost certainly produced with stereo cutter heads (mono head being no longer available or very rare) so the groove will be best traced by a modern profile stylus.
"The only cats worth anything are the cats who take chances. Sometimes I play things I never heard myself." Thelonious Monk
I might recommend a dedicated 78rpm one. Seventy-eights in hi-fi are a wonderful experience.
,
"Once this was all Black Plasma and Imagination" -Michael McClure
There's a 78 stylus available for Grado carts.
AT has a 78 stylus for the VM95 series, but there is no mono cart in that line.
As far as I know, there is no 78 stylus available for the 500-600-700 series carts.
The blissful counterstroke-a considerable new message.
Edits: 01/30/23
nt
My Dual 1219 can play 78s.
The blissful counterstroke-a considerable new message.
https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/cartridges/styli-accessories/a-t-moving-magnet-styli/vmn70sp
Edits: 01/30/23 01/30/23
Now all I need are some 78s...
The blissful counterstroke-a considerable new message.
on my VPI TT. Ortofon Quintet Mono cartridge. Sounds fabulous.As others have mentioned, a well recorded mono LP can be incredible. Perhaps the best sounding LP (mono or stereo) I have is a Recut Records release of Beethoven 5 by Erich Kleiber/Concertgebouw recorded in 1951. I mute one channel so I listen through only one speaker.
rlindsa
Edits: 01/30/23
And per the post below yes it's worth it. Mono records sound a hell of a lot better played back with a mono cartridge. Better than having a mono switch on your pre-amp.
The blissful counterstroke-a considerable new message.
.
Late to this thread but I have a dedicated mono TT, a JVC QL-Y5F. I have on it an Audio Technica AT33Mono LOMC. It's a bit of a heavier cart. The JVC arm is a bruiser with "Q damping"
I have about 100-150 mono records, lots of jazz and some rock, country blues. mostly old stuff but also some reissues like the Beatles, Dylan, Hendrix, some blue notes, etc.
I use a Denon AU-340 SUT which is great because it has inputs and switches for two turntables. My other is a Denon DP-62l with Dynavector Karat 17d3.
The Mono MC is just killer. amazing huge clean sound. I have some cheapo ratty old 50's Columbia "six eye" records like Erroll Garner and Art Tatum and they are just so quiet and musical. Stuff like Coltrane, whew. Just awesome. The SUT makes a tremendous difference. If you have the space and the mono collection to justify it, i highly recommend it!
I got it because it's the same series at the VM540 and I can change carts without needing to adjust VTF. Also, the stylus will fit either of my VM540s and vice versa.
It was about $100 from 2juki.
There's also the Grado Prestige mono. It's a bit less expensive than the AT but it uses an elliptical stylus, and I wanted a conical.
Ortofon has a mono cartridge in the 2M series but IMO they're too expensive.
AT has an MC mono cart as well.
There are probably a few others I just don't know about.
The biggest difference between the stereo cart and mono cart is that the mono cart does better with sibilants. Things like muted trumpets don't sound as tizzy with the mono cart. Vocals are sublime.
The blissful counterstroke-a considerable new message.
I did and it does.
-Wendell
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