Mono records sound great of axis. Once you get in the right listening position a mono record will sound as if you are listening through a crack in the door. If this is not happening one would have to assume there is a problem with your system's stereo imaging.
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 !