“what is the purpose of mono in today's day and age and with about anything available in stereo”
Well, not quite! Mono can seem like an odd choice, but it has a unique place in music and audio for several reasons.
Many classic recordings, especially from the 1950s and earlier, were originally produced in mono. These include iconic jazz, blues, and early rock albums. Listening to these recordings in mono preserves the integrity of the original mix and the artist’s intent. Stereo versions of these recordings are often artificially created and can sound unnatural.
Some may argue but if you have an analog system with mono cart, you can truly appreciate a single, cohesive soundstage. Instead of spreading instruments across a stereo field, everything is centered, which can make the music feel more direct and intimate. This is particularly effective for certain genres, like vocal-centric jazz or early rock ‘n’ roll, where the focus is on the performance rather than spatial effects.
Mono playback is also least affected by room acoustics and speaker placement compared to stereo. If your listening space isn’t ideal for creating a balanced stereo image, mono can deliver a more consistent and enjoyable experience.
And lastly, there is some contemporary artists and engineers choose mono for its aesthetic qualities. If you get a chance, try listening to a well-mastered mono record - it’s a different kind of magic.