Mono recordings


What's the attraction of mono recordings? I have a couple CDs (Pet Sounds  and Cream e.g.) that contain both stereo and mono tracks and a couple mono lps (using a stereo cartridge). I always prefer the stereo cut. What am I missing?
rockyboy
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. : )
For the sake of the music, I do miss some of my CDs that I ripped to files, as my system rack has been missing two shelves where my DAC and music server were once sitting. I grew weary of the digital fuss. Dropouts, system updates, and sync problems, in the name of convenience were driving me nuts. So, I'm in the process of moving my digital gear to be set up as a second system in another room. When it's working, I can listen to music not available as vinyl.
Kenny