RE: The Helikon Mono cartridge

In one of the threads here about mono LP playback, it was mentioned that the Helikon Mono cart might pose a threat to the safety of modern stereo cut LP's, so I thought I'd investigate the possibility by firing off an inquiry to Lyra/Scantech, the company that produces the cartridge. This was their reply:

"Dear Greg:

The signal coil configuration of the Helikon Mono means that it
electrically responds only to horizontal (mono) groove modulations.
Electrically, the Helikon Mono is incapable of reproducing a stereo
signal. and this is one of the reasons why it provides a superior
signal-to-noise ratio with many second-hand and worn mono records.

However, the stylus of the Helikon Mono was designed to provide
excellent performance with stereo as well as microgroove vinyl discs.
Also, the suspension system of the Helikon Mono has compliance
(flexibility) in the vertical axis as well as the horizontal axis. In
other words, you can use the Helikon Mono to play back stereo LPs and
the stereo LP will not suffer any more deterioration than if you had
used a normal stereo cartridge.

Does this answer your question?

regards, jonathan carr"

So, the potential buyers of mono carts might be able to rest easier that they can play a modern cut of a mono LP, even though I'd check with the manufacturer just to make sure. I'd think the Grado's would be safe as well. Now, whether they are essential, or superior to a mono switch, that's another topic.

 

I think the mono Grado cartridges use a 1 mil stylus - too big for stereo records.