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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.
peter_s
1,336 posts
 
Wow - makes me wonder if something was wrong with my Denon! I was never that impressed with the 103r I had in my rig, despite all the high recommendations.
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