2. analog
  3. 1107481389

I damanged my Shelter cartridge, next steps?....

Hi Folks:
Well, I managed to damage my Shelter 501 mkII by, well, bumping into it. So, to cut a long story short, the stylus is leaning to one side horizontally, and is pointing more steeply vertically (wider angle between end of stylus and body of cartridge). Finally, the stylus appeas to be more 'springy' and is not as rigid.

So, question is, can I salvage it? Should I try to orient it correctly, or can it be 'reseated'. The stylus does not appear to be bent or broken - just out of correct orientation, and a little loose. Anyway, I'd value advice on whether this can be fixed, and who I might bring it to for such a fix. The cartridge is about 2.2 years old and has about 250 hours on it.

Looking forward to hearing any recommendations on next steps. IF I have to replace the cartridge, I'd also welcome input on replacements. I've a teres 255 with OL Silver Arm. Preamp is Supratek Syrah.

Thanks!!!
John.
128x128outlier
lugnut
1,190 posts
 
Been there and done that. I spent a lot of time being angry at myself and my advice is just fugitaboutit and move on. Cartridge selection is very personal and audiophiles are oh so opinionated. If you like detail, and especially considering how the Syrah performs with such a cartridge, I support Raul's suggestion. For my money though I would buy a Sumiko Celebration. It's doubtful that many of the folks here have heard this wonderful performer at it's price point because it's just not auditioned enough with it's lack of snob appeal. What I love about it is while it still has the details I enjoy it has a wonderful seamlessly smooth presentation and works well with every genre of music. It would work wonderfully with your arm and phono stage.
jphii
485 posts
 
Patrick's got a point. I finally had a chance to hear the Sumiko, and was frankly quite surprised. While I didn't get to listen to it on my system, which is pretty similar to yours John, I think it would be a very good match. But, that's my opinion, and you have to remember that I'm the guy who prefers the 103r over the 501, FOR THE MONEY.

Another cartridge that I've heard good things about, but not heard is the Yamamoto



I'm think about buying one, if I can get it in time too take to a shootout against some very high-dollar cartridges.

I like bang for the buck. So when I did pretty much the same thing you did, I tried to fix mine and failed miserably. I like to do some DIY, but I found a cartridge is not DIYable. While I'd love to be able to spend a shitload on a cartridge, it ain't gonna happen. So I put on another 103r, and started looking around for the best sub $1000 cartridge out there. If I can find it, I'll let you know.

Joe
nrchy's avatar
nrchy
2,124 posts
 
Before doing anything else you need to find someone on which you can lay the blame for this misdeed. Any other step taken will be out of order. Somebody else has got to be responsible for this!!!

Personally I tend to blame Carl!
outlier's avatar
outlier OP
381 posts
 
Guys, thanks for the advice. Some good options mentioned. I'm still open to a number of cartridge choices. I may go with a more reasonably priced option in the short term (perhaps the DL 103), and save to get something better longer term. Another option might be to jump on a bargain used cartridge - the ZYX Airy 2s looks inviting at $925 for example. Still, this is an expense I hadn't anticipated, so am weary of spending more than $800 just now. Does anyone know where I can still pick up a new Denon DL103, or where I can get a good deal on another Shelter 501 Mk2? The Sumiko does look interesting too.. Anyway, thanks again for the advice. Shame I can't salvage this Shelter ;-(
Post removed 
More to discover