I have a Denon DL160 on a Rega P9 while I wait on my step up transformer. It sounnds very good, but is definately below the Shelter 901 that I was using my my other phono stage. Just all around less natural sounding (although very good). Oen thing that the Denon does do very well is play quietly on noisey albums.
Enjoy the Cart but a better one will really make a difference. Have you considered a Zu Denon Dl103? Zu has been running really good specials all month long on ebay.