2. analog
  3. 185973-144538

Mono record sounds like stereo

So I have been playing stereo records for 40 years.  I’ve recently acquired some Verve Japanese reissues. Listening to Metronome All stars tonight and there is clearly separation. I hear horns predominantly on the left and xylophone and drums on the right.  This is on an Ortofon SPU synergy stereo cartridge. Is this normal ?  I’m sorry.  I’m new to Mono.  I bought about 50 verve and Blue notes last week and got some monos on accident.  My system is balanced and the room has extensive treatment so I’m lost !   

adrianleewelch

Showing 2 responses by lewm

lewm
13,476 posts
 

Welcome to the jungle. Nowhere in audio can you find more conflicting information than on the subject of mono reproduction and mono cartridges. To begin with most modern mono cartridges are stereo cartridges that have been modified in one way or another to produce mono. Very like flipping the mono switch on your preamp.

lewm
13,476 posts
 

Mono LPs can sound absolutely wonderful, and in some cases, you don’t miss stereo. This is because your brain is doing the work of supplying a stereo- like image. Your brain knows where the horns are usually located in an orchestra, and likewise where the violins are located, etc. In addition to that the recording, even with a mono microphone and mono mode picks up phase differences among instruments, and the many sources in an orchestra, and that may contribute to the sensation of a stereo image. However, if you interrogate yourself, while you’re listening, you will realize it’s a feaux image, although nevertheless, satisfying. 

More to discover