Motown albums mono vs stereo

[motown_anthony]

So I have many records and wonder which ones I should keep or replace with a different mixing i will mark which one I have for that
If possible can everyone help me which to get stereo or mono?




The Supremes:

Where Did Our Love Go [[stereo)
A Bit of Liverpool [[both mono & stereo)
Western Country & Pop [[mono)
Sam Cooke [[stereo)
More Hits [[mono)
I Hear A Symphony [[stereo)
A Go Go [[stereo)
Holland Dozier Holland [[stereo)

thanks

[thanxal]

Seriously, why not get each one in both mono and stereo? There is great joy in listening to both and discovering the differences. Try "Love is Like an Itching in My Heart" on Supremes A Go Go in mono, then in stereo. Or Watchout! with the extreme difference between the mono and stereo versions of "Jimmy Mack" discussed on another thread. Do both! Your ears will thank you.

[motown_anthony]

Seriously, why not get each one in both mono and stereo? There is great joy in listening to both and discovering the differences. Try "Love is Like an Itching in My Heart" on Supremes A Go Go in mono, then in stereo. Or Watchout! with the extreme difference between the mono and stereo versions of "Jimmy Mack" discussed on another thread. Do both! Your ears will thank you.

Im trying to save some money so I would like just one copy of each album 😭. The only one I want two copies of is meet the supremes atm.
any preferences you have in the ones i named?

[kenneth]

In my opinion, the stereo mix of the country and western album is absolutely flawless. Beautifully done, much fuller and lush than the mono mix. I highly recommend it if you like the album which I really do.

But you do need the LP. The Motown CD issue of this album is the mono mix. There may have been a Japanese issue of the stereo mix, I’m not sure, but I imagine someone on the forum will know.

[thanxal]

Im trying to save some money so I would like just one copy of each album . The only one I want two copies of is meet the supremes atm.
any preferences you have in the ones i named?

Not really. It's completely personal. If I say "stereo this" someone will counter with "no way, mono only" so I don't think it will really help. If you have a streaming service you can find all of those albums you listed below [[except Heatwave, C&W and Sam Cooke) as Expanded Editions that have both mono and stereo tracks so you can listen for yourself.

There tend to be more "mono only" purists than "stereo only" purists. I tend toward stereo if it was recorded in stereo since we have two ears and no longer listen on tinny little transistor radios or cheap turntables with one speaker. But there are bad mixes of both. In another thread Sotosound pointed out how bad the mix of the Four Tops stereo version of "Reach Out" is, and after careful listen, I had to agree. The mono is better. So even I, who strongly prefers stereo, shifted to the mono side of the force.

[mysterysinger]

Our very own Tomovox may be able to assist as he's posting YouTube videos of mono v stereo albums/playlists as in this example for The Detroit Spinners

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...G1FosgIC6RWMng

He's also posted mono/stereo comparisons of
"Meet The Supremes"
"16 Big Hits Volume 5"
"Four Tops [[First Album)"
"This Old Heart Of Mine [[Isleys)"
"Jimmy Ruffin Top Ten"
"Reflections" DRATS
"Gettin' Ready" Temptations
"Marvelettes Greatest Hits Volume 2" Imaginary album cover.

Also imaginary Greatest Hits albums of The Velvelettes [[mono only) and The Contours [[mono I think). Maybe others.

The vdeos are all real works of art and show true dedication.

[Sotosound]

Not really. It's completely personal. If I say "stereo this" someone will counter with "no way, mono only" so I don't think it will really help. If you have a streaming service you can find all of those albums you listed below [[except Heatwave, C&W and Sam Cooke) as Expanded Editions that have both mono and stereo tracks so you can listen for yourself.

There tend to be more "mono only" purists than "stereo only" purists. I tend toward stereo if it was recorded in stereo since we have two ears and no longer listen on tinny little transistor radios or cheap turntables with one speaker. But there are bad mixes of both. In another thread Sotosound pointed out how bad the mix of the Four Tops stereo version of "Reach Out" is, and after careful listen, I had to agree. The mono is better. So even I, who strongly prefers stereo, shifted to the mono side of the force.

The ears have it.

[nabob]

In my opinion, the stereo mix of the country and western album is absolutely flawless. Beautifully done, much fuller and lush than the mono mix.

I heartily agree with Kenneth. I cried when Universal decided to reissue the CD in mono and not stereo. Most of my vinyl from the 60s is in pristine condition. Albums never issued or available in stereo, along with self-made anthologies were transferred to CD.

The decision you are trying to make is such a personal matter. Social media isn't the place that's going to help with the answers. Be ready for a barrage of personal preferences. You already have the answers. Use your ears and heart to decide. Good Luck.

Are you aware that only several tracks on the original 1966 I Hear a Symphony were issued in stereo. The majority of the vinyl album and original CD was in mono. We finally received the stereo album in stereo when our departed heroes Andy, Harry, George & Co made the expanded edition.