How are you playing your precious MONO Vinyl?

I meant to mention that there is a possibility that a mono cartridge will create a ground loop with a stereo phono stage. If the phono stage has a mono switch, than this will resolve any hum issues.

@billstevenson As I mentioned earlier to what Lewm had posted regarding stylus size and groove width. There are actually two mono groove widths prior to the 1960’s. There is the widest mono groove which is what you’ll find with the first vinyl pressings and then later, a Microgroove width. The Microgroove was a narrowing of the original mono groove in order to fit more music per side. I do understand that Lewm is not an expert however, I am still perplexed why these two mono groove sizes are not mentioned more often whenever the topic comes up.

Thanks for this information.  It seems clear that if there is a performance difference for a specific vehicle that boost is coming from the engine management software adjusting the settings such as timing based on the knock sensor readings.  Without the benefit of this information what I have done is listen to the engine.  Not sensing pre-ignition, I dropped from 93 first to 91 and then to 87 octane fuel.  This in the cool months.  In the summer, I use 93 just because it is hot.  

Because it makes very little difference UNLESS you play mono with a 1.0mil stylus, I would guess. In that case there may be a slight issue with playing the micro groove, loss of extreme treble. Maybe not a big deal.

goofyfoot

I thought I was going to have to get a wide groove spherical mono tip. Most if not all of my Mono LPs appear to be made in the 50's, 60's 70's and there is not good info given.

i.e. the Chicago South Side Jazz, Vol. 1 was a collection of music from the late 1920's, early 1930's, but it was produced in 1971. Smooth appearance, looks like a currently produced LP, hard to see the tiny grooves exist.

I play it with my elliptical or microridge.

I imagine playing a modern shibata variant in an old wide groove could cause damage and not be expected to sound good either, maybe even an elliptical would be 'wrong'. ?????

Just using a stereo cartridge with a mono switch on my preamp. Good sounding mono reproduction. I do have a dedicated 78rpm turntable with just a basic Audio-Technica AT95 with the correct 78 stylus.  If the 78 is clean and not worn/scratched it sounds fantastic…