Do I need a mono setup?

[scotty38]

The background is that I'm having a new plinth on my Lenco and while the main arm is sorted I still have the opportunity to build the plinth so that it can take a second arm.

Aesthetically I think I'd prefer to have just the one arm however once it's done there's no going back.

If I do take the option it would be a 9" and most likely a mono cartridge of some description but I don't think those details are important, I think the important thing is do I really need to do this? I have no intention of creating myself a collection of old mono recordings so it will be purely for modern releases (post 1970 I guess) and anything that is reissued as mono. That means it won't be a huge number of records but even if it was would I be just as well playing them with a stereo cartridge anyway given that, as they're "new" they most probably won't be noisy and hence won't need the lack of vertical signal retrieval (or however it should be described) anyway???

Does that all make sense and any thoughts please?

Thanks in advance....

[WESTLOWER]

The background is that I'm having a new plinth on my Lenco and while the main arm is sorted I still have the opportunity to build the plinth so that it can take a second arm.

Aesthetically I think I'd prefer to have just the one arm however once it's done there's no going back.

If I do take the option it would be a 9" and most likely a mono cartridge of some description but I don't think those details are important, I think the important thing is do I really need to do this? I have no intention of creating myself a collection of old mono recordings so it will be purely for modern releases (post 1970 I guess) and anything that is reissued as mono. That means it won't be a huge number of records but even if it was would I be just as well playing them with a stereo cartridge anyway given that, as they're "new" they most probably won't be noisy and hence won't need the lack of vertical signal retrieval (or however it should be described) anyway???

Does that all make sense and any thoughts please?

Thanks in advance....


Given your collection has little Mono and few records are now intentially released in Mono, I'd say No you don't need a dedicated mono arm. I have a large collection of original an reissued Mono cuts so felt compelled to get the most from them.

If you were going to concentrate on collecting Mono cuts, I'd say without doubt use a dedicated Mono cartridge.
The rewards of a mono set up can be very rewarding indeed... and sound far superior to playing Mono cuts on a Stereo cartridge, hitting the Mono button on the amp is not comparable either.

Is your current arm a removable headshell tonearm? This obviously gives the most flexibility....

[scotty38]

Thanks Adam and yes it's a Jelco 850L so I realise I could swap cartridges as and when needed and given your confirmation of what I think I knew already seems the most sensible approach. Just trying to make sure I didn't end up in an "I wish I'd done it..." situation :lol:

[WESTLOWER]

Thanks Adam and yes it's a Jelco 850L so I realise I could swap cartridges as and when needed and given your confirmation of what I think I knew already seems the most sensible approach. Just trying to make sure I didn't end up in an "I wish I'd done it..." situation :lol:

I do think it's a legitimate itch though!
If it were me, i'd do it and find as many fantastic old Mono cuts as i could! :D

[petrat]

I think what you say is correct. IME, the very best mono cartridges certainly do bring things to the party that a stereo cartridge (via the mono switch on my phonostage) can't bring, but the expense really isn't justified for a small collection. Also, I reckon a cheap mono cart usually gets trumped by a good stereo cartridge used in mono mode. True that one advantage of 'true' mono carts is that they reject a lot of surface noise, but with a diet of decent quality pressings, that will be less of a problem for you than for the charity-shop scavengers :)

The 850L is a superb arm, btw.

[scotty38]

Thanks both, very much appreciated but Adam, you're not helping :lol:

On the assumption I stick with what I have and, if I buy a mono cartridge of some description, then will it play via my stereo SUT as normal? I am obviously making the assumption that, as much as my knowledge will allow me, the cart and SUT will be matched.

For further info along with the 850L I have a SPU#1E and also an Ortofon type 2-15K SUT as well as a Fidelity Research FRT-5 (don't ask, I slipped up on ebay and ended up with both).

[WESTLOWER]

Thanks both, very much appreciated but Adam, you're not helping :lol:

On the assumption I stick with what I have and, if I buy a mono cartridge of some description, then will it play via my stereo SUT as normal?

yes i have used a SPU Mono GM MkI and a Denon DL 102 with a Stereo Step Up (Hashimoto HM-7) to very good effect

[scotty38]

Great thanks again.

[Boussven]

why not a "cheap" but excellent mono cart, the Grado ME+?

[scotty38]

Thanks Sven, just putting a cart on the arm is not an issue and judging by the discussion so far it's probably what I'll do.

My question was more around the validity of setting up a second arm for the same purpose and it sort of seems that unless I want to make a "thing" of mono I may be as well served doing just as you suggest...

I didn't really want the faff of changing settings each time and even though a cart/headshell change is no big deal I still have to consider VTA/VTF unless I minimise it even further and stick with SPUs. That would, I believe, limit me to the Mono GM for more modern/stereo head cut mono records unless I'm mistaken???

[Mike Adams]

I think once you've heard a decent mono cartridge it is hard not to see it as an essential purchase.
I blame/credit Tom :-)
I currently use an arm pod alongside my Lenco with a Schick, Miyajima Zero and really rate it.
(Assuming you haven't gone for a massive plinth this would be an option?)
Annoyingly I also decided the mono SUT was a worthwhile purchase once I had heard it...

[scotty38]

Thanks for that, even more options. It won't be a massive plinth but it is sized for 12" and will be similarly sized to my rack but it's a great idea, thanks.