Upgrade Denon 103 R to Shelter 501 II?

Absolutely! 2.5 to 2.6 grams, and remember to take the optimistic numbers that a Shure tracking force gauge gives you into account.

I mention this latter point only because so many folks rely on the Shure coupled with the fact that you haven't mentioned how you measure your tracking force.

Cheers,
Thom @ Galibier

Tom - Are you aware of other inexpensive tracking force scales that are more accurate?

thanks

Tom, I am tracking it at 2.68 now - does sound better. I cannot weight the shell as I would need a longer brass counter-weight.

The tracking force guage I use is superb - the Digital Chinese direct order one - works like a charm - no hassle either.

Springbok10,

Sounds like the scale from ANS. That's a very good investment.

Don't worry in the least about VTA with the 103r. With that conical stylus you can be off by a mile and it won't sound any different. Just set it level and focus on VTF and azimuth.

The best arm I have heard so far with this cartridge was a Basis Vector, but I believe Thom uses it on a Triplanar. Didn't like being mounted on a Graham 2.2 at all. I'd try it on mine but the 103r I have developed a sporadic pop, like a discharge, in the left channel so I don't risk using it anymore.

I moved directly from a 103R to a Dynavector XX-1 - the 103 is that good that one needs to scale up at 3x1 in price.