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Re: Help/questions about mono phonocartridges

I think it's worth a try, using the Vpi/Sme setup to provide a full-mono signal, optimized for your mono collection. I think I'd give it a try with the cheap Grado, Ortofon or Shure alternatives, circa $100, and just be sure to get something that matches compliance w/ the Sme 309.
Let's not assume any of those are 'true mono', but just the change to a mono-stylus-profile and single input signal should be pretty convincing, especially w/ the Steelhead (which has mono switch, yes ?).
From there it wouldn't be too much of a leap of faith to consider the Helikon Mono or similar, legitimate mono cart on the upscale shelf....

As to the upscale cartridges ::
I think all of us must have noticed a convergence of manufacturer willingness, after the Lyra Monos were successful to indicate that " hey, well sure, we can supply virtually any of our cartridges in full mono version ! You betcha ! "

If you've spent any time in the HighEnd game at all, that instant response, and the availability up and down the line of any model, clearly indicates one thing -- manufacturers were willing to step up and go the extra distance by internally connecting a few wires and declaring True Mono all the way. None of them (except Lyra) has shown their redesign process, their r&d goals, etc etc, but they've instantly doubled the size of their line of products with one statement. I'd want to see much much more from a so-called Mono Design before dedicating circa $1k to the possibility that they're not fudging on the description.

good luck,

J.


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