Shelter 901 vs. Dynavector XX-2 or TE Kaitora

Thanks Twl for your excellent reply. It is very much appreciated.

Arcmania,

I currently have the Orbe SE/SME V/Benz M2 setup with ARC PH3 SE. I had purchased the Shelter 901 a month ago. (Just haven't had time to change the carts) I had heard it at a friend's place and felt that it was a definite improvement over the Benz.

The Shelter has an output of 0.5mV on paper, but many users have attested that the actual output is slightly higher, at about 0.8mV, similar to the M2. The Benz H2 is rated at 2.5mV output, much higher than the M2 or the Shelter. My concern is that if you are currently using the H2, will the 901 have enough gain for your phonostage? Or will you be using a step up transformer?

FrankC

I'm also considering getting a shelter cartridge, I recently bought a used Oracle Delphi which has a Premier MMT tonearm. Do you know if the Premier MMT would work well with the Shelter cartridges? Any other suggestions for tone arms that would work well with the Oracle Delphi? (There is a used Delphi for sale on Audigon now which has the the Rega RB600 tone arm.) Thanks!

Gundam91;

Thanks for the heads up. I knew I would need more gain than the PH-2 I now have, so I tracked down an Audio Research MCP-2 to put in front of it. Later I will get a Manley Steelhead. I have heard this and it is fantastic, but the MCP-2 will let me get there in affordable stages.

Tonneson, the MMT was designed with MM cartridges in mind. At the time, Sumiko was building "The Arm" for MC carts. I think it is a little light for the Shelter, but I would not totally rule it out. I do think that if you are getting a cartridge that is the quality of a Shelter, you need a better arm. I would suggest the Origin Live Silver for a great performer at a great price. Under $800 new, and performs on the level of the best. Plain looking, but great sounding.