Mono recordings

rockyboy -If I recall correctly, a  true mono cartridge picks up only horizontal modulations and (unlike a stereo cart.) ignores the vertical modulations.  On a 50's/early 60's pressed mono record this results in less surface noise. 

I've got quite a few mono LP's from that era (mostly classical and jazz) and I can attest that when these records are played on a true mono cartridge, surface noise is, in fact, lessened.  Such was the case with a Lyra Helikon mono cartridge (which crapped out on me way too soon) and my current Ortofon Cadenza Mono cart.

oregonpapa wrote: "So many of these mono records have superior sound, so superior that when listening I often ask myself ... "who needs stereo?"

I agree completely.  When I listen to a well recorded mono LP, about a minute in I am completely into the music - mono vs. stereo is the last thing on my mind.

Thanks for the tips, Frank.  I've got the Brubeck, and it is a great record.