MONO cartridges


I bought a few Mono reissues and now I think about a proper cartridge for them.
But the information varies a lot, some write, for those reissues I don't need a mono cart., there would be no difference to a stereo cartridge, or the differences are not worth the price difference.
Next, are the modern mono cartridges only stripped down Stereo cartridges?
Half winding, half output?
How about the difference from the needle?
Are the "old" Monos the way to go? SPU?
I have a Lyra Helikon stereo running at the moment, that one is available as a Mono cartridge, or others too.... some experiences?
Thanks
128x128syntax

Showing 3 responses by jaybo

hevak...i've got just shy of 600 lps in mono, most of which are original. for the most part the opened ones are in near mint condition and unless i'm wrong, all sound great. some of these lps i've actually owned since the mid sixties as well, and have always used a stereo cartridge with no sonic shortcomings.
you don't need a mono cartridge to fully appreciate a mono recording...as with any stereo pressing, results may very title by title, no matter what cartridge you use.
yes, i've 'tried' several, but never found it any more effective than a mono switch to enhance the fidelity. the capatibility debate has never been a concern for me. the cartridges I've 'had' were purchased because i had a spare turntable for experimentation, but were never a seminal purchase. playing a vintage mono lp. or a new re-issue on a 'stereo' is nothing for most to worry about.