Mono or stereo

[dave9199]

When listening to a mono cd (in this case), what's the difference in the sound compared to stereo?

[jazzbo]

Is this a trick question?

[Jim Dye]

I was wondering the same thing!

[John Tapscott]

If you have a mono switch on your stereo, press it while listening to a stereo recording, and you'll be able to tell the difference. On many of the digital era recordings, the stereo separation is not nearly as noticeable as on earlier stereo recordings. You could listen to many current recordings in mono and I don't think you would notice a huge difference.

BTW, I think mono sounds really fine in most cases. Try to avoid those recordings which were originally mono, but were rechannled for stereo. They sound pretty bad. If you have to listen to them, use the mono switch and they sound much better.

[Claude]

There are no mono CDs, only stereo CDs with the same signal on both channels (= mono)

If you listen to mono sound on a stereo system, the sound of all instruments will appear to come from the middle of the speakers (if you sit in a perfect stereo triangle), with a headphone the sound will appear to come from the middle of your head.

Edited May 23, 2003 by Claude

[JSngry]

This is the guy you need to ask..

[jazzbo]

That's right, Phil learned from the pioneer, Vincent. . . .

[JSngry]

OK, Phil might be a little, uh, "preoccupied" these days, and Vince's whereabouts are uncertain at best, so who better to ask than THIS guy

who, through the abusiveness of THIS guy

has the Mono experience every day of his life!

Edited May 23, 2003 by JSngry

[Man with the Golden Arm]

Lon... dat's classic. I couldn't view any images for some reason and posted the "bandaged ear" painting myself. Presently enabled, I have since deleted mine but a hail to your warped sense of humor.

[John B]

first I would have you talk with these guys:

and then them:

but, in the end, listening to this album should make it all clear:

[jazzbo]

Glad you found that entertaining!