Good Sound Quality From 10 Inch Records?

I will try to get a mono cartridge at some point, as you suggest. First, I guess, I'll get a turntable that can accept two arms, as I mostly listen to stereo. But I'll have to save up some funds for that. Other than reducing noise, what other advantage have you found using a mono cartridge with such vintage records?

Have you tried a mono cartridge? I use an Ortofon Mono SPU with a .1 mil conical stylus--it seems to work pretty well.

No, I'm not referring to 78s. Thankfully, I know enough to not to play a 78 RPM record with my Shelter 501 cartridge, as I believe it would risk damaging my cartridge and/or the record. I'm talking about, for instance 10 inch records by folks such as Duke Ellington, Edith Piaf, and Lena Horne. In fact, they even say 33 1/3 RPM on the cover. Some famous records, including Peggy Lee's Black Coffee originally came out in 10 inch format (I don't have that one). Another one, I think, is June Christy's Something Cool (don't have that one either). I think Blue Note released some records in the 10 inch 33 rpm format as well.

Do you mean 78rpm records? Which speed are you playing them at -- 33 or 45?

Nope.

My experience is the material used on those 10" is different from the vinyl from the mid-50s onwards used on LPs.

It seems much more brittle and easier to scratch, hence the poorer sound on average.