Mono recordings

rockyboy -If I recall correctly, a  true mono cartridge picks up only horizontal modulations and (unlike a stereo cart.) ignores the vertical modulations.  On a 50's/early 60's pressed mono record this results in less surface noise. 

I've got quite a few mono LP's from that era (mostly classical and jazz) and I can attest that when these records are played on a true mono cartridge, surface noise is, in fact, lessened.  Such was the case with a Lyra Helikon mono cartridge (which crapped out on me way too soon) and my current Ortofon Cadenza Mono cart.

Appreciate all the comments. Very interesting. Out of state right now, but when I return home I will give another listen to my mono material. 

One of the main things that I aspire to in this hobby, besides loving the music, is to attempt to reproduce it as it was recorded. IMO, that's the best we can do regardless of the format, or the care or knowledge of the engineers. It is what it is. So, if you love the music and it's only in mono, what's our job? Sure, you can stay away from mono recordings, but you may be missing out.

As mentioned above, much music is only recorded in mono, and a couple of years ago I wound up with my accountant's vinyl collection, mostly mono. I'm getting close to finishing off my final system except for tweaking, because I'm getting up there in age and it's time to unwind.

My plans are to cap off my system by adding a second arm with a mono cartridge. When I upgrade my phono stage, I'll also be adding a true mono circuit. I'm doing this, because it's important to me.
Kenny

Very nice.
Your upgrade path, 2nd arm and mono cartridge and a phono stage with a mono circuit, really gets to the root of my original question. After the upgrade, how will the SQ or listening experience compare  to playing one of your mono lps on my VPI Classic 3/Soundsmith Zephyr MkII?  Wish I could hear a mono lp on your system both before and after the upgrade. Enjoy the music!