Mono Switch
A mono switch combines the left and right audio signals into one programme, sent to both channels.
“Yes” means a selectable mono button, switch or mode is available. A mono-only product or a mono cartridge alone does not prove that a selectable mono control is present. Stereo mode keeps the channels separate.
Mono Switch — Phono Preamp
In a phono preamp, mono is useful for playing mono LPs with a stereo cartridge. Older mono records can sound cleaner, but the improvement depends on the record and playback system. Compare the same passage with mono on and off.
The switch combines electrical signals; it does not turn the cartridge into a mono design or cure every hum, hiss or groove defect. You still need a cartridge and stylus suited to the record. Return to stereo for stereo records to preserve their left/right separation.
Sources
- JC 3 Jr. owner’s guide: Mono Button — Parasound
- Mono records and mono cartridges — Ortofon
Mono Switch — Preamp
In a preamp, mono combines the selected source before it reaches the power amplifier. A source connected through a separate phono stage can therefore be played in mono here, even if that phono stage has no mono switch.
Check which inputs and outputs the control affects, including any recording output, and whether the setting is remembered separately for each source. These details vary by product. If a stereo recording suddenly sounds narrow, check whether mono is still selected; switching back to stereo restores the separate channels.
Sources
- C49 owner’s manual: Mono/Stereo Mode — McIntosh
- JC 3 Jr. owner’s guide: Mono Button — Parasound
Sources
- What is sum-to-mono? — Rotel