2. amps-preamps
  3. 192345-81086

What is the advantage of being able to select the MONO button?

I have assembled a dedicated mono rig (VPI Super Scoutmaster Special Edition w JMW Memorial tonearm, Ortofon Quintet mono cart into Plinius P-100 phono-pre with no mono button). I believe this to be described as a true mono cart and I'm getting different ideas as to what that means. Does this cart require a pre with mono button or is that just for playing mono records on a stereo rig? What exactly does this button do if I had a preamp that had one? What is all this about Y adapters? Do I need anything like this to optimize this set up?

I am mostly interested in recent mono re-issues like Beatles, Dylan etc. Some advice I've heard is I'm wasting my effort and these will play correctly or even better on stereo setups. If so, would that be with a preamp with mono button? Is that the best way with these records? 

I do have a lot of older records from early 50's on to discover as well. Sinatra and the like. So it would be nice if the system could play these optimally as well. 

thejeenyus54

Showing 3 responses by thejeenyus54

thejeenyus54 OP
20 posts
 

Thanks, but none of that addressed my concerns. 

Anyone?

 

thejeenyus54 OP
20 posts
 

So, if I understand this correctly, a mono button, y adapter, and "strapped" construction all do the very same thing: sum both sides of the cartridge together so that the same signal comes from both speakers. Correct? But why would a mono record not have the same signal on both sides to begin with? It's not made like a stereo record with a different signal on each side. 

Is the Quintet a "true mono" device? What exactly does this term refer to?

Is this cartridge safe to use on recent releases or just old records? Someone advised that the stylus shape is not correct for new releases and could prematurely wear them out.

 

thejeenyus54 OP
20 posts
 

I still do not understand why combining "strapping" the signal in the cartridge is any different than combining them in the phono-pre or combining them externally with a Y adapter. From the descriptions, it seems they are all doing the same thing but at different points of the signal route. And why would any of these methodologies be required with a mono record and cartridge? It seems to me that the signal would be mono anyway. Why do we need to combine identical signals?

If modern mono records have the same signal on both sides can't you simply play them on a stereo cartridge with the end result being mono sound? Is there any reason for one to use a mono cartridge on a modern mono record? Am I wasting my time and money pursuing this?

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