SHELTER/501II

DARTH AUDIO · « **on:** 28 Jan 2004, 07:42 pm »

Vinyl Junkies, Has anyone had the honor of using the Shelter 501 II?

Any and all comments would be greatly appreciated..

Thanks,

Wayne1 · « **Reply #1 on:** 28 Jan 2004, 08:13 pm »

I have had the Shelter 501 MK2 on my modded RB-250 for a few months now.

It does take a bit of time to break-in, but when it does, it is wonderful.

It tracks very well. I have had no problem with mistacking on any of my vinyl. It may be a little warm for some, but in my rig it is perfect.

I really can't think of a cartridge for less than $1000.00 that I would use in it's place.

DARTH AUDIO · « **Reply #2 on:** 28 Jan 2004, 08:37 pm »

Hey Wayne, Thanks for the input.. I've been using a Lyra Lydian for about 1 1/2 years and one of my complaints is it's POOR tracking

Ive read where people have compared the 501 II to the Lyra Hellikon and the 501 II was equal to or greater??

It's next on my upgrade list..

Psychicanimal · « **Reply #3 on:** 30 Jan 2004, 06:01 pm »

There's quite a few people in Audiogon who own Shelter cartridges. You can search the archives and find info...

Ben Mcc · « **Reply #4 on:** 12 May 2004, 01:10 pm »

I had a 501mk II for 6 or 8 months nice cart but in my sys it whose to warm. I like the Benz glider a lot more. The glider has a lot more detail & harmonics. Imaging & depth whase close allthow.

Marbles · « **Reply #5 on:** 12 May 2004, 01:32 pm »

For really top notch cartridges that have been proffesionaly rebuilt, you might want to contact Klaus Bunge of Odyssey at 317-299-5578

These are not rebuilt by him...

They generally originally cost from $750 -$6000 and are now a fraction of that.

He also has some nice new carts as well.

He can supply all the details. I am very happy with my rebuilt Symphonic Line RG8 cart that I bought from him.

mcrespo71 · « **Reply #6 on:** 12 May 2004, 05:21 pm »

I finally got to here one of these from a friend who just purchased one from Japan. They have beautiful tonal color and if you have a strident system, it may be for you. However, it replaced a Dynavector 10 X5, which while lacking in the tonal beauty- just kills the shelter for PRAT. The Shelter sounds like it has trouble letting the music through to me, but if you like vocals/chamber music- the beauty of the tonal color may be the way to go.

Michael

DARTH AUDIO · « **Reply #7 on:** 12 May 2004, 05:53 pm »

Michael, just wondering what componets are in your friends system. There is a rave review about the 501MKII in the April/May issue of The Absolute Sound. The reviewer summed up his review with this comment "But, is this cartridge as close as you can get to top-tier performance for $800? I think it is" Just wondering if there is a synergy issue with your friends system?? I'm going to spend a little more and get the Shelter 901.

Have a good one,

Gary

mcrespo71 · « **Reply #8 on:** 12 May 2004, 06:00 pm »

He has BAT electronics and a VPI Aries w/JMW 10 Tonearm and Magnepan speakers (3.5R). I don't know- it was an extremely warm cartridge and anything that can make Squeeze Eastside Story sound dull is really lacking in PRAT. Maybe the higher up one would solve this problem- don't know since I haven't heard it. I would think that, if the 501 is any evidence, it may dissapoint if you've been using a Lyra Helikon, which is a ridiculously great and neutral cartridge IMO.

Michael

michael w · « **Reply #9 on:** 15 May 2004, 09:24 am »

I've been using a 501/II for a few months now on Well Tempered with Plinius/Krell amps/Maggie 1.6 speakers.

It replaced a Sumiko BPS and initially I felt it was too warm and too laid back as well.

It seems some 501s take a while to run-in.
With more hours the sound has become more incisive and neutral, although still lacking a little in dynamic snap it is tops in all other areas of performance.

For $800 it's unbeatable.

As for East Side Story, great album but the sound (like all of Squeeze's LP's) is not well recorded.

mcrespo71 · « **Reply #10 on:** 15 May 2004, 02:37 pm »

I've got to disagree with you on the Squeeze LP, especially if one is using an original UK pressing like I have. One of the best recorded rock LP's and a great test for PRAT.

I think the Shelter had maybe 30 hours on it, so it probably needs more break in. However, there needs to be some serious change in the boogie factor of this cartridge during burn in for me. I listen to a lot of rock music, so people should know my predilections in judging hi-fi. I think it's a GREAT cartridge for certain things- tone and soundstaging- so if those are high up on your hi fi needs, it's for you.

Michael

gundam91 · « **Reply #11 on:** 8 Oct 2004, 09:08 pm »

Quote from: DARTH AUDIO

Michael, just wondering what componets are in your friends system. There is a rave review about the 501MKII in the April/May issue of The Absolute Sound. The reviewer summed up his review with this comment "But, is this cartridge as close as you can get to top-tier performance for $800? I think it is".....I'm going to spend a little more and get the Shelter 901.

Gary,

I have the 901, never got a chance to hear the 501 MkII myself, but from what I have read over at Audio Asylum for the past 2 years, there are major differences between the two. Many people that had upgraded from 501 to the 901 commented that you would not think that these two cartridges came from the same family.

Most of the praises I've heard regarding the 501 is its warm midrange. The 901 has a more balanced presentation with tighter bass. The only other cartridge I have is the Benz M2 which I think is a good performer overall. The 901 just does everything better in comparison, more extension at both ends, quieter background, tighter bass, and slightly more warmth in the mids.