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Need recommendation on mono cartridge please

Recently I acquired quite a bit of mono LPs, mostly operas, classical music and a few Beatles. I think it might be fun to try mono cartrige. It will go on my Classic 3. Locally, 2 that would be readily available are Lyra or Miyajima. I would say that Lyra Kleos mono or Miyajima Kansui mono would be my upper limit. However, I think Kansui's low compliance probably would not work with JWM 10.5. I could probably burrow Kansui stereo on JWM first to see if it might work but I tried other low compliance cartridges on JWM 10.5 and did not the result very much (Koetsu Rosewood and Onyx). I already have Lyra Atlas in my system so I think something different from Lyra would be more interesting. If anything, I prefer more full body, warmer side of neutral, more emphasis on tonal color than detail if that might be of any help. MM, MI or MC would be fine. If MC, I would be using it with SUT into Lamm LP2 MM input most likely.

Thanks for any suggestion.
suteetat
suteetat OP
435 posts
 
I am a bit confused now about mono LPs. I started looking through my collections and try to determine which is mono and I am having a bit of a problem. I understand that pretty much anything before 1958 will be mono. The problematic period is 1958-196? I understand that usually there should be a code or something on the LP/jacket stating mono or stereo.
I suppose listening to it, I should be able to tell but I think I am having some difficulties especially with piano recording. Does not seem very obvious sometimes.
Also somewhere I read that if it is a mono reissue after 1960's, ie recent reissue of Glen Gould Goldberg variation (1955 mono version), I should not use mono cartridge as it is now cut for stereo cartridge. Is that correct?
Reading about how mono cartridge may damage groove of stereo LP makes me a bit wary about trial and error using both my stereo and mono cartridge.

Thanks for your help.
syntax's avatar
syntax
2,033 posts
 
Remembers me to "I have a car but no driving license...."
suteetat OP
435 posts
 
Well, I don't yet have a car, only planning to get one and am trying to learn and get my license! May be this is not the right place to learn?
roscoeiii's avatar
roscoeiii
1,155 posts
 
Suteetat,

If it is not clear on the record label or cover, the code on the cover's spine or label should allow you to figure this out. Check those codes at Discogs, probably the best place to look for pressing details. And as for buying mono, be sure you are clear on if a mono record is a fold-down (created from a stereo recording; less desirable) or true mono. Steve Hoffman forums and other spots can help you figure that out.
suteetat OP
435 posts
 
Thanks for the information. I started going through my collections and try to separate out mono recordings from the rest. However, I do have some recent reissues from Speaker Corners, Doxy that are mono recording and some even stated clearly so on the jacket. However, I assume that they are most likely cut on stereo rather than mono system, is that correct? So presumably, mono cartridge should not be used on these LPs!
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