Hell yeah! I’ve got so many mono LP’s that I completely prefer over the stereo versions. That’s how they were recorded and mixed to begin with on many recordings I love. The stereo mixes were an afterthought a lot of the time especially with many of my favorite older recordings. Mono seems to be dismissed by too many, when as you know, it can be amazing. Great stuff, Mikey!
A lot of "Motown" recordings sound good in Mono , probably because of the way they were recorded. As were RCA "Living Stereo" recording's most of them were recorded in 3 channel mono, left and right were on single tracks and blended to mono and center mic was added to the mono track as needed. Theses RCA "living stereo" recordings 75% of them were recorded before stereo even came out! They later realized that because they used a left and right mics on there own tape trace along with a center track that they accidently recorded in stereo, they later re-mixed the tapes to make a stereo master and then re released the same record in stereo that by everyone's account sounds much much better, in fact so much better that one RCA living stereo lp I have (RCA 2449) in stereo has sold as high as $1000.00 and the mono version sells for $10. So these mono recordings sound Better in Stereo were the mediocre stereo recordings of motown a lot of times sound better in mono. Its all on how it was recorded and mixed. :)
I can't believe how much better that mono version was. The default is always to assume the stereo version is going to be better but in that instance it certainly was not. WOW!
Stereo version is way better for me. Imaging, placing of instruments, is more defined. That said, there's a difficulty in achieving true mono performance with a dipole or horn loudspeaker based system. Because, what you actually hear, is a vague, quasi-stereo effect of your room, or your horn colourations (horn internal volume or horn-room, as might, otherwise, be perceived) AND room. You can only hear true mono with a good point-source system, in a well treated room. And there, all its said glory is lost. Everything is placed dead center, one thing, instrument, voice, etc upon another. (don't get me wrong, a good, mono recording can still be very enjoyable, within its imaging limitations). In a usual room, however, you may get a performance similar to a live, AMPLIFIED, performance, the kind of small modern groups give, with multiple PA loudspeakers on the scene (and which I totally hate) and you may focus better on merits of the recording like emotional impact, instrument tone, PRAT, undersigned by a loudness and pseudo-stereo effect imposed by your room. It may sound really good and real sometimes, especially with one or two instruments playing only. And that ends my two-cent contribution to our collective audiophilia for today, thanks again Mikey for all your wonderfull video-audiophile treats!
Damn bro you might be onto something. I've heard of people really getting into mono. I think the directness for lack of a better term of the way the sound emanates from the speakers is almost magical.
Yeah you know you're right there is a true directness for sure. Although I think some of these things were recorded in Mono which is why they sound so good. I have to try some newer music in mono but I just don't know how I'm going to do that without a mixing set up this was offered as mono recording to playback.
Thank you so much for giving the perspective of one well-versed in the ultra high end of the audio market. It's intriguing seeing someone who considers "high-end" to be the actual upper echelon of the market, instead of Benchmark or the like. I have a question regarding your experience with all this gear: do you think the jump in quality from ultra-budget gear (say a $100 preamp) to budget/mid-budget (say a $400 preamp) is justifiable or do you really just not think there are respectable returns in that increase in price?
Thanks for your feedback couch commando. I am a person who is very picky about value. I've done manufacturing and I see all the little things. In addition I have seen many live music shows and to me music is more than something for the background. It is a time transport vehicle. It's how I go to church. It brings joy to my heart. It heals me and calms me. So I like to bring it to the level where my brain is actually tricked into believing the real event is happening, whether it's in the studio or a live show. It's almost like taking a shortcut to deep meditation. I'm there and it's on. So what happens in a nutshell between the inexpensive stuff and the more expensive stuff it takes less imagining your there with the more expensive stuff. It simply becomes more real sounding. I'm talking when you close your eyes and pretend you're there how convincing is it. My listening room borders indistinguishable. I call it psychedelic because it feels like I'm tripping. What I mean is the imagined seems real. Without any effort. In fact you can't stop it. There is a fine line however between something that is of value yet it cost a premium and something that is overpriced. Some folks make $1 million a month. It's so easy for them to afford a $250,000 rig that they don't care to really determine the value of the product. Manufacturers know this and create gear for this buyer. They rationalize it by saying if I don't do it someone else will. I still haven't gotten there yet. So I find where that line in the sand is and I consult with an eye towards value regardless. I don't care how wealthy someone is I will not take advantage of that. So I guess I went off on a tangent my bad. There are appreciable differences and I know where they are at each budget line. You do get what you pay for, but you need to know where to look. That's why I exist otherwise it takes people 10 years of buying and selling to determine which manufacturers are crap. Which people are honest which people are not, and all that other stuff. I have a site called 11 stereo.com and on this site in a short amount of time I will have what I deem to be the best value for each particular budget level. Complete systems that I will guarantee sound phenomenal together. Just keep your eyes out buddy if you're looking to get into it a little bit more I can do magic with a little amounts of money and I can create a system where you question reality and time stands still for a chunk of change. Cheers brother and happy listening!
@@OCDHIFiGuy damn, what a phenomenal response! Thank you so much for the insight and your website sounds absolutely awesome. Audio has been my biggest hobby for four years, although I only just 3 months ago graduated university. I got a swanky software engineering position, and having this income to save, invest, and spend in my hobby is just so alien to me that I don't really know what to do with it. I just recently convinced my soon-to-be-room mate to dedicate a room in the house we're renting entirely to audio. This will be my first foray into tubes and proper room treatment, so now I'm doing research and messing around with DIY rock wool stands. It's been a lot of fun taking measurements in room with and without room treatment. What a difference it makes.
Sounds thin and washed out may be youtube because its not my system and i preferred the stereo version and on the stereo version at 30 sec. you move the camera up just a small amount and the music losses most of the low end bass and sounds to vocal and tiny but the system looks nice anyway
Hi Robert, if you're using anything but headphones then you're going to get crappy sound. Especially if you are using lame computer speakers. Yes they are all lame. The website is optimized for kids with cell phones and earbuds. Even if you use the earbuds that came with your phone you're going to get better sound than your computer speakers. Thanks for your feedback it sounds like a million bucks over here.
@@OCDHIFiGuy Hi no I’m not using crappy computer speakers I’m using about £600 worth of NAD integrated amplifier and about £500 Castle Howard’s S2 and everything sound great though them and I have seen many TH-cam video were the sound did not sound harsh and thin
Thanks RJ that's super cool that you recognize that the music I share is to promote the artist and the song that really I like and love. I wish the labels understood this. May she RIP with all the other amazing artists that we are so blessed to have recordings of. Stay cool RJ I know you're a good guy. I guess you could be a woman. LOL either way doesn't matter you recognize the artist and hats off to you.
@@OCDHIFiGuy Hi Mike. Thanks. I am a guy. Name is Richard J. I changed my TH-cam username to avoid the toxic people on TH-cam who may not agree with opinions expressed in comment. FYI. I joined your tribe and emailed or messaged you about a JRD amp. Might have been a message sent through your website. Take care.
I'm contemplating a beginner's system with Cambridge Audio separates, a Schiit Mani, Wharfedale 4.4's, a REL Subwoofer, and Fluance RT85 turntable. My question is can you suggest a better subwoofer? I prefer clarity over thump. Also, would an OPPO UDP-205 be my safest choice?
Dude, if you are thinking about a Wharfedale EVO 4.4 forget about the subwoofer for audio, they are absolutely amazing downstairs, I have my sub disconnected. Invest that savings in a better amp, because those need real power and room to shine.
Hey brother, I honestly can't think of a better subwoofer as a matter of fact I have a client who is selling a top-of-the-line rel sub for 500 bucks and I know this guy well he only buys the best. Call me up and I'm gonna stoke you just to give your journey some juice in fact if you can afford 1K he has two of them and I'll guarantee you won't get a better deal. Unlike the other dude I like to relieve the main speakers of Lo bass duty and put 50 and below on subs trust me when I say no matter what speaker you have sub ads bass fill which fills the room. The two subs I'm talking about you can probably have the rest of your life and just take them in and out as needed. You can trust me as my name is OCD Mikey boy. I'll keep these for you but I need to hear from you within a week. I'm simply going to put you in touch with the seller and I will not make a penny. 500 each is my cost with room for resale. One or two whichever you want or nothing doesn't matter. Cheers brother. WWG1WGA
@@OCDHIFiGuy Sure, I'm seriously interested. Can I make a deposit? I'm waiting for the escrow check from my recent refinancing of a VA 30 year fixed at 2.25% Silly question, does your company offer a military discount?
@@luisrodrigonunezolguin7038 Thanks for the advice, but 2 REL subs at 1K is a deal I can't pass up. My system will complement a new Sony 77" OLED when they go on sale Black Friday. The other amp I was considering was the Outlaw RR2160, but the comparison with Cambridge Audio separates was the dealbreaker. Cambridge provided sharper definition with less strain.
@@thisismagacountry1318 Friend, clearly for the system that you orient yourself you need a couple of good subwoofers, and nothing better than 2 REL and at the price that Mikey offers you there is no competition, greetings
What's up great outdoors? I don't use a pre-pro. My DAC volume control is world-class so I sold my expensive volume control that had its own box and a bunch inputs and a stack of cheese locked up in it. I'm streaming this song as a mono version from Tidal. So whatever that means. It's coming out of 2 speakers if that's what you're asking.
@@OCDHIFiGuy Thanks for the reply. Just found your channel. It’s different. I like that about your content. To clarify, I have an old integrated that has a mono button. I push the mono button and it plays “ mono “ from both speakers. ( Which is what I meant when I said mono in stereo. Bad wording. ). But sounds like you’re playing mono recoded material being radiated by 2 speakers. I looked up mono recordings on Spotify I didn’t find many in curated lists. There’s a few playlists. I’m gonna give it go. Very interesting idea. There’s a whole sub culture of monophiles out there! Cheers. Keep the content coming. 👍
Correction. It's your TH-cam playback set up not my rig. My rig is far from harsh. Spent 20 years perfecting it. It's the kind of rig that gives people a new reference to compare to. I do this for a living in case you hadn't figured that out. Chances are I have this on master tape.
Hell yeah! I’ve got so many mono LP’s that I completely prefer over the stereo versions. That’s how they were recorded and mixed to begin with on many recordings I love. The stereo mixes were an afterthought a lot of the time especially with many of my favorite older recordings. Mono seems to be dismissed by too many, when as you know, it can be amazing. Great stuff, Mikey!
Totally agree! Thanks for your comments Nicky !
A lot of "Motown" recordings sound good in Mono , probably because of the way they were recorded. As were RCA "Living Stereo" recording's most of them were recorded in 3 channel mono, left and right were on single tracks and blended to mono and center mic was added to the mono track as needed. Theses RCA "living stereo" recordings 75% of them were recorded before stereo even came out! They later realized that because they used a left and right mics on there own tape trace along with a center track that they accidently recorded in stereo, they later re-mixed the tapes to make a stereo master and then re released the same record in stereo that by everyone's account sounds much much better, in fact so much better that one RCA living stereo lp I have (RCA 2449) in stereo has sold as high as $1000.00 and the mono version sells for $10. So these mono recordings sound Better in Stereo were the mediocre stereo recordings of motown a lot of times sound better in mono. Its all on how it was recorded and mixed. :)
Completely makes sense Doc. How interesting. Thanks for your feedback.
I can't believe how much better that mono version was. The default is always to assume the stereo version is going to be better but in that instance it certainly was not. WOW!
Hey Shane the same thing happened to me. It took me by surprise I automatically thought stereo would be better. But wow mono!
@@OCDHIFiGuy awesome I want to experience more of this myself.
Stereo version is way better for me. Imaging, placing of instruments, is more defined. That said, there's a difficulty in achieving true mono performance with a dipole or horn loudspeaker based system. Because, what you actually hear, is a vague, quasi-stereo effect of your room, or your horn colourations (horn internal volume or horn-room, as might, otherwise, be perceived) AND room. You can only hear true mono with a good point-source system, in a well treated room. And there, all its said glory is lost. Everything is placed dead center, one thing, instrument, voice, etc upon another. (don't get me wrong, a good, mono recording can still be very enjoyable, within its imaging limitations). In a usual room, however, you may get a performance similar to a live, AMPLIFIED, performance, the kind of small modern groups give, with multiple PA loudspeakers on the scene (and which I totally hate) and you may focus better on merits of the recording like emotional impact, instrument tone, PRAT, undersigned by a loudness and pseudo-stereo effect imposed by your room. It may sound really good and real sometimes, especially with one or two instruments playing only. And that ends my two-cent contribution to our collective audiophilia for today, thanks again Mikey for all your wonderfull video-audiophile treats!
Damn bro you might be onto something. I've heard of people really getting into mono. I think the directness for lack of a better term of the way the sound emanates from the speakers is almost magical.
Yeah you know you're right there is a true directness for sure. Although I think some of these things were recorded in Mono which is why they sound so good. I have to try some newer music in mono but I just don't know how I'm going to do that without a mixing set up this was offered as mono recording to playback.
Now that is Night & Day. Let's get that right
Mike the Mystery Man
So my favorite pizza in Chicago is Giordano's
Do i miss those Dusty days the dressing up, Hair styles the music you name it
mike
I know brother, it was some good stuff. Thanks for the feedback.
Thank you so much for giving the perspective of one well-versed in the ultra high end of the audio market. It's intriguing seeing someone who considers "high-end" to be the actual upper echelon of the market, instead of Benchmark or the like.
I have a question regarding your experience with all this gear: do you think the jump in quality from ultra-budget gear (say a $100 preamp) to budget/mid-budget (say a $400 preamp) is justifiable or do you really just not think there are respectable returns in that increase in price?
Thanks for your feedback couch commando. I am a person who is very picky about value. I've done manufacturing and I see all the little things. In addition I have seen many live music shows and to me music is more than something for the background. It is a time transport vehicle. It's how I go to church. It brings joy to my heart. It heals me and calms me. So I like to bring it to the level where my brain is actually tricked into believing the real event is happening, whether it's in the studio or a live show. It's almost like taking a shortcut to deep meditation. I'm there and it's on. So what happens in a nutshell between the inexpensive stuff and the more expensive stuff it takes less imagining your there with the more expensive stuff. It simply becomes more real sounding. I'm talking when you close your eyes and pretend you're there how convincing is it. My listening room borders indistinguishable. I call it psychedelic because it feels like I'm tripping. What I mean is the imagined seems real. Without any effort. In fact you can't stop it.
There is a fine line however between something that is of value yet it cost a premium and something that is overpriced. Some folks make $1 million a month. It's so easy for them to afford a $250,000 rig that they don't care to really determine the value of the product. Manufacturers know this and create gear for this buyer. They rationalize it by saying if I don't do it someone else will. I still haven't gotten there yet. So I find where that line in the sand is and I consult with an eye towards value regardless. I don't care how wealthy someone is I will not take advantage of that. So I guess I went off on a tangent my bad. There are appreciable differences and I know where they are at each budget line. You do get what you pay for, but you need to know where to look. That's why I exist otherwise it takes people 10 years of buying and selling to determine which manufacturers are crap. Which people are honest which people are not, and all that other stuff. I have a site called 11 stereo.com and on this site in a short amount of time I will have what I deem to be the best value for each particular budget level. Complete systems that I will guarantee sound phenomenal together. Just keep your eyes out buddy if you're looking to get into it a little bit more I can do magic with a little amounts of money and I can create a system where you question reality and time stands still for a chunk of change. Cheers brother and happy listening!
@@OCDHIFiGuy damn, what a phenomenal response! Thank you so much for the insight and your website sounds absolutely awesome.
Audio has been my biggest hobby for four years, although I only just 3 months ago graduated university. I got a swanky software engineering position, and having this income to save, invest, and spend in my hobby is just so alien to me that I don't really know what to do with it.
I just recently convinced my soon-to-be-room mate to dedicate a room in the house we're renting entirely to audio. This will be my first foray into tubes and proper room treatment, so now I'm doing research and messing around with DIY rock wool stands. It's been a lot of fun taking measurements in room with and without room treatment. What a difference it makes.
Sounds thin and washed out may be youtube because its not my system and i preferred the stereo version and on the stereo version at 30 sec. you move the camera up just a small amount and the music losses most of the low end bass and sounds to vocal and tiny but the system looks nice anyway
Hi Robert, if you're using anything but headphones then you're going to get crappy sound. Especially if you are using lame computer speakers. Yes they are all lame. The website is optimized for kids with cell phones and earbuds. Even if you use the earbuds that came with your phone you're going to get better sound than your computer speakers. Thanks for your feedback it sounds like a million bucks over here.
@@OCDHIFiGuy Hi no I’m not using crappy computer speakers I’m using about £600 worth of NAD integrated amplifier and about £500 Castle Howard’s S2 and everything sound great though them and I have seen many TH-cam video were the sound did not sound harsh and thin
Dusty Springfield is awesome. Thanks Mike for promoting her music. May she RIP.
Thanks RJ that's super cool that you recognize that the music I share is to promote the artist and the song that really I like and love. I wish the labels understood this. May she RIP with all the other amazing artists that we are so blessed to have recordings of. Stay cool RJ I know you're a good guy. I guess you could be a woman. LOL either way doesn't matter you recognize the artist and hats off to you.
@@OCDHIFiGuy Hi Mike. Thanks. I am a guy. Name is Richard J. I changed my TH-cam username to avoid the toxic people on TH-cam who may not agree with opinions expressed in comment. FYI. I joined your tribe and emailed or messaged you about a JRD amp. Might have been a message sent through your website. Take care.
you are listening to the performance only without having to process left n right...yupperz
Yeah David I guess that's it, the brain doesn't have to do hamster flips to try and balance. Makes a difference specially with an old melon. :-)
I'm contemplating a beginner's system with Cambridge Audio separates, a Schiit Mani, Wharfedale 4.4's, a REL Subwoofer, and Fluance RT85 turntable.
My question is can you suggest a better subwoofer? I prefer clarity over thump.
Also, would an OPPO UDP-205 be my safest choice?
Dude, if you are thinking about a Wharfedale EVO 4.4 forget about the subwoofer for audio, they are absolutely amazing downstairs, I have my sub disconnected. Invest that savings in a better amp, because those need real power and room to shine.
Hey brother, I honestly can't think of a better subwoofer as a matter of fact I have a client who is selling a top-of-the-line rel sub for 500 bucks and I know this guy well he only buys the best. Call me up and I'm gonna stoke you just to give your journey some juice in fact if you can afford 1K he has two of them and I'll guarantee you won't get a better deal. Unlike the other dude I like to relieve the main speakers of Lo bass duty and put 50 and below on subs trust me when I say no matter what speaker you have sub ads bass fill which fills the room. The two subs I'm talking about you can probably have the rest of your life and just take them in and out as needed. You can trust me as my name is OCD Mikey boy. I'll keep these for you but I need to hear from you within a week. I'm simply going to put you in touch with the seller and I will not make a penny. 500 each is my cost with room for resale. One or two whichever you want or nothing doesn't matter. Cheers brother. WWG1WGA
@@OCDHIFiGuy Sure, I'm seriously interested. Can I make a deposit? I'm waiting for the escrow check from my recent refinancing of a VA 30 year fixed at 2.25%
Silly question, does your company offer a military discount?
@@luisrodrigonunezolguin7038 Thanks for the advice, but 2 REL subs at 1K is a deal I can't pass up.
My system will complement a new Sony 77" OLED when they go on sale Black Friday.
The other amp I was considering was the Outlaw RR2160, but the comparison with Cambridge Audio separates was the dealbreaker.
Cambridge provided sharper definition with less strain.
@@thisismagacountry1318 Friend, clearly for the system that you orient yourself you need a couple of good subwoofers, and nothing better than 2 REL and at the price that Mikey offers you there is no competition, greetings
Long time no talk Mikey. Hope you’re well
Dang Connor where you been bro? Hope all is well my man.
That's rocking
You ain't bullshittin , bruh. ;-)
Are you playing a mono version of the song “ in stereo “? Or does your pre-pro have a “ mono switch “?
What's up great outdoors? I don't use a pre-pro. My DAC volume control is world-class so I sold my expensive volume control that had its own box and a bunch inputs and a stack of cheese locked up in it. I'm streaming this song as a mono version from Tidal. So whatever that means. It's coming out of 2 speakers if that's what you're asking.
@@OCDHIFiGuy Thanks for the reply. Just found your channel. It’s different. I like that about your content. To clarify, I have an old integrated that has a mono button. I push the mono button and it plays “ mono “ from both speakers. ( Which is what I meant when I said mono in stereo. Bad wording. ). But sounds like you’re playing mono recoded material being radiated by 2 speakers. I looked up mono recordings on Spotify I didn’t find many in curated lists. There’s a few playlists. I’m gonna give it go. Very interesting idea. There’s a whole sub culture of monophiles out there! Cheers. Keep the content coming. 👍
@@OCDHIFiGuy Mono always sounded better to me coming out of one speaker not 2. Its funny how every sound in nature is mono.
Mono way better. Sounded harsh in stereo.
that's his setup not the song i have that same track in stereo on vinyl and CD and lossless file and it sounds better/perfect on system
Correction. It's your TH-cam playback set up not my rig. My rig is far from harsh. Spent 20 years perfecting it. It's the kind of rig that gives people a new reference to compare to. I do this for a living in case you hadn't figured that out. Chances are I have this on master tape.
Holy fxck
O
Where did my W's go?
WOW