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What to expect from MONO

Hello:

I'm curious if when listening to a 'mono' LP, should I be hearing a completely symmetrical sound stage? I'm listening to Coltrane's Blue Train in mono and I have to say that it favors the left channel on some instruments like the cymbals. The horn is mostly centered. I'm using a VPI Scout with Dyna 10x5. It's new and set-up by the dealer. Could this indicate that something is not set correctly?

On a separate thought. Since everything else in a system needs to be broken in (cables, speakers, carrtridge, etc) does new vinyl need to played a few times before it sounds it's best?
arch7
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
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.
arch7 OP
35 posts
 
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.
tarsando
578 posts
 
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.
viridian's avatar
viridian
4,184 posts
 
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.
jyprez's avatar
jyprez
229 posts
 
To simulate a mono switch and see if this impacts your perceptions, use a male Y connector from Radio Shack to blend the left and right channels and then another Y connector with a female end to split the blended signal to your phonostage
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