A tech question about cartridge

[porcy62]

I know that a stereo cartridge has vertical and horizontal oscillation from the grove for different channel. A mono cartridge has only one oscillation. Wich one is left channel, vertical or horizontal?

I am asking this because I noted that in my system on old mono records the left channel is usually more 'used' and damaged than right one. My TT system is set up correctly. So I am asking myself if an Y adaptor/connector could allow me to enjoy my old mono records without hearing the time's damage, avoiding more expensive solutions like a mono cartridge. Sadly my preamp does not have the useful mono/stereo/mono-left/mono-right switcher of my old Marantz

Edited May 20, 2005 by porcy62

[wolff]

Mono record groove simply moves laterally . On a stereo disc the two groove walls carry related but nevertheless independent signals, each wall undulating at 45° to the record surface.

The noisy left channel in your old mono LP's may have been caused by the inner(left channel) groove getting more worn by improperly set up TT of the past.

You really need a pre-amp with mono switch. Most mono cartridges are just 'summed' L & R channels anyway.

My other thought is a worn record is a worn record and will be noisy regardless if it's mono or stereo and no matter what you do.

More info you may need

[porcy62]

Thanks Wolff.

Agree, 'a worn record is a worn record and will be noisy regardless if it's mono or stereo and no matter what you do', I am looking for a way to hear them in the best way. Actually I think I should sell my house to replace my worn Beatles UK monos with better copies.

[wolff]

You could look into the best 'stylus profile' for reducing noise.

You could get a TT that accepts 2 arms, one for stereo and one for mono.

Have you used a test record to set up your TT?

I assume you've fiddled with the anti-skate.

[porcy62]

You could look into the best 'stylus profile' for reducing noise.

You could get a TT that accepts 2 arms, one for stereo and one for mono.

Have you used a test record to set up your TT?

I assume you've fiddled with the anti-skate.

←

I have a Linn Akiva, according to most high end gurus, aka Stereophile, it seems to be one of best stylus cut, (line contact) for worn records.

I could get a TT that accepts 2 arms, but I should part with my LP12, no way!

Anti-skate is useless.

Anyway when I will go to my gear smuggler to get back my repaired amps, I will bring TT to him, to have a check up from an expert.