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'Mono' Cartridges vs. Mono Buttons

Hello,

I recently got into vintage 'microgroove' mono vinyl and I'm interested in getting the most out of my new records. I can either use my Shure m97xe stereo cartridge and just push the mono button on my amp (as I do now), or I can purchase a new, entry-level mono cart.

In replies from Grado and Ortofon I have learned that the Grado MC/ME+ and the Ortofon 2M Mono are both vertically compliant, multi-coil "mono" cartridges configured to cancel the vertical signal from the groove internally, and that this is not done by bridging the left and right channels.

So does pushing the mono button on an amplifier when using a stereo cartridge also cancel the vertical signal? I have my suspicions that it bridges the channels, and though this improves the signal-to-noise ratio (boosting the "mid" output more than the "side" output in mid-side terminology) while 'masking' the 'stereo noise' by placing it in the center image along with the music, it does not cancel the vertical signal...?
2xuel

Showing 1 response by syntax

syntax's avatar
syntax
2,193 posts
 
In a way you will find always the same groups in discussions about that topic.
Group one
They use a Preamp with Mono button and that's it for them
(Mainly they don't hear any differences in general imo)
Group two
They use Mono carts and they stay with their decision.

I tried both ways, Mono button makes the reproduction dead and the tonal colors are completely gone.

Stereo cartridge with Mono records (those with RIAA, let's stay in the area of 1958 and later), works, but the noise floor is very high.

Mono cart with Mono records
Good results, the tonality is right, the soundstage is huge (you need an Arm with VTA anyway, most Mono button pushers don't know that too)

Yes, there are differences in Mono Cartridges, some are real mono, most are shortened Stereo Carts (high output, hum ...)
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