Mono VS Stereo

All very interesting observations. I always have like headphones, even the cheap ones! I do agree with the gentleman that the depth of fied does indeed improve when in mono. Interestingly i too prefer old jazz in mono in particular. In a perfect world I guess all our systems should image and create a soundstage as it were like headphones. But headphones have an unfair advantage in that they do not have to deal with the room or envirement they're in. My system in stereo does have great seperation, imaging, soundstage etc...Right or wrong there is just something about listening in mono that moves me more for the material I listen to.

I too like mono sound. However, not to detract from your sonic joys, but do try repositioning your spkrs, as Shadorne suggests or even a bit further away (¬5'); the experience will be better for both mono & stereo material.
Keep in mind that "mono" is often sound re-channelled through the right (stereo) channel. It could be you're enjoying an artefact -- albeit a welcome one!
As ELdartford notes there are few mono cartridges around, some of them being just modded stereos. But it's worth trying out, I think, especially on mono recordings.

Nocaster, you do realize that the people responding here are being really gentle on you? Much of what you say makes no sense at all!

In a perfect world I guess all our systems should image and create a soundstage as it were like headphones.

the depth of field does indeed improve when in mono

You've repeatedly said your system sounds fantastic with a wonderful stereo spread, yet you prefer listening in mono. That's a really bizarre conclusion. That's no just a little out of left field type statement -- it's from two counties over from where the ballpark is. Reasonable audiophiles can only conclude that something is seriously wrong with your setup. It would help if you were to post your system with pictures of your listening space.

It's not just a case of "to each his own". There is a question of fidelity. Mono recordings are best heard in mono, but to limit stereo recordings to mono is to purposely distort them. It would be like going to a museum housing impressionist paintings and wearing infra-red night vision goggles because I don't like the vibrant color "effect". I'd quickly be in a small room explaining my "preference" to security personnel.

shadorne is absolutely correct. the artists and engineers have made records for 'stereo' since 'shep was a pup'...unless you specialize in collecting 'pre rock era' stuff, its a bit like the benefits of shoving a square peg in a round hole.

Stereo recordings are best heard in stereo and mono recordings in mono.

There are many mono recordings from the pre-stereo age that are quite excellent because they were designed and intended to be heard that way (in mono).

Same true with stereo. In general listening to these in mono is a course and lacking simulation of what these products are intended to sound like.

Of course, we all have the right to listen as we please for whatever reasons make us happy.