Hi Dirtyragamuffin - I'd definitely be keen to see if I can have the Shelter repaired - my sense from some comments though is that the cartridge is kaput now though. BUT - if anyone has ideas on where I might send it for review (and possible repair), I'm all ears. Certainly, that would be a great way for me to go, if the cost of repair is not prohibitive, and the resulting sonics not impaired..
FYI, I just ordered a Denon DL 103 from the UK (Doh! - should have waited and acted on the more local audiocubes tip.) Still, I'm in the market for investing in a stronger contender than the Denon if I see something special at the right price. Thanks again for the input guys.