Review on 🎧 High-Quality Audio-Technica AT-MONO3/LP Moving Coil Mono Cartridge - Japan Import by Shari Smith

I have many mono records from the 1950's and 1960's (including several hundred 10" records) and after many years of their AT440MLa I decided on this one based on reviews pickup decided here. After switching from a stereo cassette to the AT-MONO3/LP, one reviewer commented that the difference was "day and night". For me the difference wasn't that noticeable. The AT-MONO3/LP tracks well and has a nice tonal "balance" (not as bright as my AT440MLa). I don't notice a significant reduction in clicks or pops compared to my regular stereo cartridge, but the MONO3 *really* reduces some of the rumble and low-frequency "rumble" that my stereo cartridge picks up; hence the bass becomes clearer and clearer. Most of my mono recordings sound slightly better with this cartridge than with the AT440MLa. (I call it a 5-10% improvement.) At the current price (around $130) this is a very, very good cartridge for the money. If you have a lot of monophonic records and listen to them often, it might be worth picking up one of these. If you already have a good stereo cartridge that you like, don't expect it to significantly improve your mono performance, especially if you have the ability to "sum" your current stereo cartridge. In my case, my main listening setup doesn't have a stereo/mono switch, so I keep it on a separate shell and switch it around if I plan on playing more than a few mono records in a row. I'm glad Audio Technica still makes a quality mono cartridge and I'm glad I bought mine. Just don't expect miracles.