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Upgrade Denon 103 R to Shelter 501 II?

I own a Denon DL 103R on a Spacedeck with Space-arm. I have read much conflicting data on this cartridge. My question to those who have tried this cartridge and also either a Sumiko Blackbird and Shelter 501 II, is: Will either of these be a significant upgrade? (System: EE Mini-max phono-preamp, Jadis DA 88 Signature int amp, Merlin TSM-Mx speakers)
springbok10
peter_s
1,336 posts
 
Yes, I went from the Denon to the Shelter, and was very happy with the upgrade. More airy and delicate. Then I upgraded to a Urushi, and wow! But in the range you're discussing, I was very happy to move up to the Shelter. At the time I was using a Linn LP12.
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
no significant sonic inprovement with either.
patrickamory
193 posts
 
I "downgraded" from a Shelter 901 (and a Benz L2, and an Ortofon SPU GTE and SPU GM Classic) to a Denon 103R. I couldn't be happier, and have ordered a few extra 103Rs in case Denon ever stops making them.

Patrick
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
The 501 is no upgrade. There are a handful of cartridges at that price that offer much more. Ditto the 901. Actually, IMO, the entire Shelter line is overpriced considering the available alternatives from Sumiko, Zyx, and Dynavector.
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