What to expect from MONO

Ebalog, when I said "anomalies in you room's response" I was referring to phasing issues and "floating" image (which is what Arch7 was asking about, I think). I wasn't referring to the room's frequency response. A mono groove only produces lateral stylus movement representing a single signal. When reproduced through a normal stereo system (maintaining 2 separate channels from cartrige to speakers) the two signals have phase differences (the "stereo imbalances" JH refers to.)

Using a mono switch combines the two channels at the preamp, and these phase differences (mostly) cancel, so you pretty much get the same signal out of BOTH speakers. However, a mono cartridge sends the SAME signal to both channels, so theoretically, you shouldn't need the mono switch.
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a piece of vinyl wears from the first spin. make sure your records are dust free when played, so the heated vinyl doesn't cool with embedded particles.....break in -no...break down-yes.

Thanks for the responses. I do not have a mono switch in my system. I'm looking for a few other mono recordings and will try those out too see if there's any difference or the same response.

For mono listening, I always turn my head 90 degrees either left or right of my normal stereo position. Because look, if you want true mono, even with a mono switch, even if you go to a single speaker system, even if you use a single-tubed amp/preamp, etc, you still have to listen with JUST ONE EAR. This is so often overlooked in the literature (but cf "The Van Gough Effect" published somewhere in Boston a couple decades ago). And the ear that sounds best depends on your 'handedness'. Try it for yourself.

You really should not be hearing any sound stage at all. The sound should be perceived as coming from a vertical line between the speakers. No broadening of the image at all. Depth may be present, but no width. Unfortunately, most stereo audio rigs will not get this one right.