Mono Cartridge

[Andrei]

Now that I have a Technics with a removable headshell I can have a play with different cartridges. I have a few mono LPs and have no idea what to look for. Any suggestions for something cheap and cheerful? - about £50.00 max.

[daytona600]

2nd hand denon 102d or ortofon 2M

[Andrei]

Thanks Scott, I only have about 10 LPs that are mono so I'll grab an ortofon

[Barry]

Why don't you simply play the mono records with your current stereo cartridge? If need be (and if you have one), select the 'mono' switch on your preamp.

[Andrei]

I have tried that and it sounds pretty crap. I don't have any reference except stereo LPs and I am sure it should sound a lot better. I can't ameliorate the problem with a 'Mono Switch' as my phono stage does not have that option. Not a biggie really but I would chuck a hundy at it.

[Barry]

I don’t understand why it should sound "pretty crap", unless that is, there is excessive and unwanted vertical modulation due to turntable rumble. I’ve been playing my early mono LPs with various stereo cartridges for years with great success.

The following might be of interest:

http://www3.sympatico.ca/murraya/DenonMonoPage.htm

http://dagogo.com/denon-dl102-cartridge-review

A Denon 102 recently went for less than £50 on eBay.

[PaulStewart]

I find it is always best go mono at source for both LP and 78s. Shure used to do tiny shorting links to link l&r live and earths together, but I've not seen those in years. The solution we use for mono records in our edit suites is, 2 M44s with conical styli and the head shells wired foe mono. This works a treat :)