Shelter 501 Cartridge

[1KW]

Those of you with this cartridge how do you like it ?

[jdandy]

David.......I don't own the Shelter 501 II, but I would like to.

Here's what The Absolute Sound had to say about the 501: Shelter cartridges…have been generating Internet “buzz” as price to performance leaders for well over a year. Let me come right out and say it: The Shelter 501 MK II is the best sub-$1000 cartridge I’ve yet heard. This cartridge has treble air without brightness, transient speed without overshoot, definition without edginess, focus without sterility, and bass weight without any thick or syrupy coloration.

Here's what Stereophile had to say: One step up the Shelter line from the 301, the 501 MK.II ups the 301's output to 0.4mV and adds a 0.3 mil x 0.7 mil nude elliptical diamond stylus. Nearly identical to the $2,650 Crown Jewel SE, which Mikey once owned the 501 MK.II exhibited all of the CJ's sonic characteristics: a warm overall tonal balance with smooth high-frequency extension and solid, authoritative bass response, all completely free of grain and glare. "I recommend the Shelter 501 MK.II without hesitation.

[Puma Cat]

I own one and both of the references that Dan has cited sums it up very accurately, IMO.

I know that Tonepub is very fond of this cartridge as well.

[ehoove]

Another addition to the list! :^)
Regards,
Jim

[KMC45]

Buy it.

[Tonepub]

Pm me if you want one...

[Prestige Worldwide]

I just had one installed on my VPI Aries. Used a Grado before it. I find it to be extremely neutral. The Grado sounded muddy in comparison. Just my two cents..

[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by Prestige Worldwide

I just had one installed on my VPI Aries. Used a Grado before it. I find it to be extremely neutral. The Grado sounded muddy in comparison. Just my two cents..

I can't speak to it on a VPI, but on a Michell it has a warmish quality. It also sounded fantastic on Tonepub's P9.

[1KW]

I have heard the Shelter has a wonderful midrange but does not have great bass or extended high's ? Can you feel the bass and do you have amazing imaging and details in the high's on this cartridge? The reason I am asking is because I may still pick up one but I don't want to be disappointed if it does not sound as good as my Dynavector . I listen to a lot of rock music and some jazz. If it is going to sound better than the Dynavector then I'll pick one up.

[Removed]

Interesting your already looking for another cartridge Is there something your missing? IMO the cartridge suspension needs time to loosen up so it can show its true colors....

Why not live with the Dyna for a month or two, get to know its pros and cons, try different VTA/VTF settings and loading. Its sound will be a bit different a 100 hours down the road. I would also see if you can barrow a phono stage from your dealer, IMO that would be better money spent.....Congrats on the new set up!

I would have to disagree that the Shelter doesn't have great bass or extended high's.......The Shelters are somewhat fast with a nice punchy bottom end, they play clean and have nice open airy highs. For the Money there as good as anything at that price point.