SAVOY BROWN/RAW SIENNA (-70) UK MONO LK 5043 VS. STEREO SKL 5043

A problably unnecessary comparison as it is a UK Decca 1970 mono and therefore without doubt a fold from the stereo. And as far as I can hear that is the fact. But since it is a favorite with the band and the fold works so well, producing enjoyable mono listening, thought I'd mention it anyway. The stereo is very good - strong, wide and balanced with lots of overlapping. Collected as you'd expect from a top compatible, but also offering two-channel effects so never monoish. Mono has the same strength, though in this case coming through cleaner and cooler to me than the stereo. In fact if you didn't know time or background the guess could as well have been a separate mix. Due to UK Decca's 1970 strategy with "catalog monos" (see earlier post) almost all their period stereos were mixed with compatability in mind, making some of them too narrow and mono-like. But not this one. Both formats sounds great by themselves. So why pay a lot for the very rare mono if you already have a stereo? If you're not that into the band and have a mono button to press I guess there's no need. But if you're fan and/or completist or just an audiphile lacking the button it could be something. For more on the issue itself check separate post on the mono. First UK had labels as shown here in a laminated fold/out cover with red or blue rim inners. (UKÖ*) (YMÖ*) (SÄVX*) (MÅW*) (CPYC*)