rocky, I started buying LPs about the same time as the introduction of stereo pressings, around 1958. As mentioned, mono LPs cost less than their stereo versions then, so as a teenager on a budget I could buy more records at the cheaper price. Also, I didn’t have a stereo cartridge and many records then warned against playing stereo LPs with a mono stylus due to the groove width.
There was also an issue with stereo mastering. Many/most of the early stereo recordings were panned hard left and right, leaving a "hole in the middle". I can only believe that was done to emphasize the stereo effect.
Over time some music lovers, particularly jazz fans, continued to prefer mono recordings. Not only did that eliminate the hole in the middle but direct comparisons showed more extended bass content in the monos. For these reasons seasoned collectors continue to favor original mono releases and that is reflected by original mono jazz LP prices. And yes, mono LPs from the late ’40s (’48 being the release of commercial LPs) through the late ’60s were cut with only laterally so playback should be quieter with a mono cartridge than stereo (which picks up laterally and vertically to sense the 45 degree stereo cutting).
Now with the resurgence in vinyl interest over the past 10-15 years the reissue record industry boomed. And several classic older recordings are now redone in their original mono format. But what I believe is important is that mono cutter heads may no longer be available, so new mono LPs are cut with stereo heads. This means that modern profile stereo styli are fine with them for playback.
So what does all this mean to you? I think it depends on your objectives and how deeply you might want to explore mono. If you only buy a few new reissued mono LPs then your stereo cartridge will be fine. A mono switch on your phono stage or preamp should help lower noise. But if your mono LPs were from the late ’60s or earlier, or you buy some original releases, then you have several options to optimize their playback, starting with a mono cartridge. But that can be extended to selecting tip size and even EQ. Contrary to some belief, the RIAA curve was not universally adopted by all record labels in 1955/6. But those are details beyond your basic question.
There was also an issue with stereo mastering. Many/most of the early stereo recordings were panned hard left and right, leaving a "hole in the middle". I can only believe that was done to emphasize the stereo effect.
Over time some music lovers, particularly jazz fans, continued to prefer mono recordings. Not only did that eliminate the hole in the middle but direct comparisons showed more extended bass content in the monos. For these reasons seasoned collectors continue to favor original mono releases and that is reflected by original mono jazz LP prices. And yes, mono LPs from the late ’40s (’48 being the release of commercial LPs) through the late ’60s were cut with only laterally so playback should be quieter with a mono cartridge than stereo (which picks up laterally and vertically to sense the 45 degree stereo cutting).
Now with the resurgence in vinyl interest over the past 10-15 years the reissue record industry boomed. And several classic older recordings are now redone in their original mono format. But what I believe is important is that mono cutter heads may no longer be available, so new mono LPs are cut with stereo heads. This means that modern profile stereo styli are fine with them for playback.
So what does all this mean to you? I think it depends on your objectives and how deeply you might want to explore mono. If you only buy a few new reissued mono LPs then your stereo cartridge will be fine. A mono switch on your phono stage or preamp should help lower noise. But if your mono LPs were from the late ’60s or earlier, or you buy some original releases, then you have several options to optimize their playback, starting with a mono cartridge. But that can be extended to selecting tip size and even EQ. Contrary to some belief, the RIAA curve was not universally adopted by all record labels in 1955/6. But those are details beyond your basic question.