thanks for the responses. i infer from the above that the different physical characteristics of the vinyl LP preclude any compensation an otherwise dedicated stereo setup would offer to maximize fidelity. it's great to know that the benz line can be ordered in mono--i owned and thoroughly enjoyed it prior to succumbing to the "allure of the exotic" in trying the allaerts. i own a moerch dp-6, so i can definitely aspire someday to a separate arm wand with a dedicated mono cartridge, using the same rig.
MONOmaniacal advice requested vinyl question
as my collection of mono LPs increases, i wonder what would best assist in my enjoyment of them. should i aspire to a true mono cartridge, or will a high-end stereo cartridge really suffice provided there is a mono switch in the system (allaerts mc1b)? not a whole lot of funds available at present. can't find my old copy of "listener" that reviewed the helikon mono and explained things in greater detail. does a mono switch just sum the channels or does it remove the portion of the electrical signal that does not contain music? what other mono cartridges aside from the helikon do you all out there use? as you can see, i'm not very technically knowledgable, so all input is welcome. all i know is, i love these mono LPs! thanks, -john