What to expect from MONO


Hello:

I'm curious if when listening to a 'mono' LP, should I be hearing a completely symmetrical sound stage? I'm listening to Coltrane's Blue Train in mono and I have to say that it favors the left channel on some instruments like the cymbals. The horn is mostly centered. I'm using a VPI Scout with Dyna 10x5. It's new and set-up by the dealer. Could this indicate that something is not set correctly?

On a separate thought. Since everything else in a system needs to be broken in (cables, speakers, carrtridge, etc) does new vinyl need to played a few times before it sounds it's best?
arch7

Showing 2 responses by arch7

Thanks for the responses. I do not have a mono switch in my system. I'm looking for a few other mono recordings and will try those out too see if there's any difference or the same response.
For VPI users, i wonder if the anti-skating could be off. This table requires a twist of the tonearm cable to control anti-skate. I feel pretty confident that it's correct because when I lift the arm at the end of a record it every so slightly bounces back toward the right. I'm told this should be just enough anti-skating force, so I hesitate to adjust it. If I'm mis-informed let me know. Also, is there a good test record out there that can help with sort of thing? One that maybe gives a precise even soundstage with just a tone rather than actual music?