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Which cartridge should I upgrade to now?

Hi folks,

My Shelter 501 Mk 11 cartridge needs replacing after years of  wonderful service. What I get next will be going onto an RB250 arm with a Half Moon counterweight, that sits on a Nottingham Analog Studios Horizon table.

I haven't thought exhaustively about this yet, but my current candidates are a Denon DL 103R, & perhaps one of the Hana cartridges, maybe the EL or the SH, based purely on the rave reviews. The SH in particular is double the cost of what I can get the Denon for ($330 AUD {Australian dollars} with free shipping), but I'm prepared to pay the extra if the difference is thought to be substantial. 

I'd prefer to not spend more than about $500 USD, which with the current exchange rate & shipping will translate into about $750 AUD. I'm happy to hear your opinions, not only on these cartridges, but other candidates you deem worthy.

Thanks!

houseofhits
mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,497 posts
 
I would not replace a Shelter 501 with a Denon 103 AND the 103 is not a good cartridge for that light to med weight tone arm. A much better choice would be a Dynavector 10X5 MC (2.5mv) for that arm, IMO. Lots of jump factor with this cartridge, you cant go wrong. Keep your tonearm and change to a proper cartridge is my advice. Also, I agree re tipping the Shelter might be the best option IF your changing your tonearm (only use Soundsmith for that, imo), but that Dynavector is really nice with that arm.

Matt M
herndonb
124 posts
 
Ortofon MC Quintet Blue
herndonb
124 posts
 
Ortofon 2M Bronze MM is also excellent
2channel8
758 posts
 
I don't know what the Dynavector costs in Australia; but in the USA it's a bit over your budget. I think the Denon DL-301 MKII is a better match for your RB250 than the 103R. I really like the sound of mine on a Sumiko MMT; but it's my first MC, so what do I know.

I think re-tipping the 501 would be a tad cheaper, unless you don't like it's SQ. In that case you could sell it and add the cash to your budget and get the Dynavector or maybe even something a bit better.
jperry
2,448 posts
 
You should consider an Audiomods tonearm, which would be in your budget and is a drop in replacement for your Rega
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