Mono recordings

Lots of great responses rockyboy. The only way you'll ever know is to someday try it for yourself. It will be a point of finances in the end as to if you're willing to spend the money necessary to go this route over improving what you already have or buying more music.

I'm retired and must prioritize my purchases very carefully. Right now in my life, mono capability is not something I lust after.  But I knew there were audiophiles out there who cherished their mono recordings and I wondered why. Now I know. Upgrading my DAC is at the top of my priority list. Upgrading my Soundsmith Zephyr  is probably next. And losing 30lbs is third.

Thanks, rockyboy,
A true mono stylus is made for classic mono records, and the same applies for a stereo stylus and stereo recordings. The contact areas and how those contact areas are configured in the grooves of both formats are different. So, a mono stylus in a mono record groove will have better sound than a stereo stylus in the same mono groove. The bottom line, using a stereo cartridge to play true mono records is a compromise.

I wound up with about 700 mono records from my accountant, plus others that I've collected over time. Those recordings deserve to shine. For me, this is the way of the audiophile. Oh brother, did I really say that? - LOL
I did,
Kenny

rockyboy,

Since I'm an all analog guy, I can't compare the DAC over a cartridge, but I do get the priority of a new cartridge over losing weight. Ha ha!

Truth be told - I kinda wish I was one or the other. My life would be simpler. But I had a lot of cds and lps and I lusted after both capabilities. Not sure which I would sell if I had to chose. This is a scary hobby.  I have to keep repeating...it's not about the hardware, it's about the music. Pray for me. : )