Just same as usual "Romy the Cat" from VA........ EAR834P phono preamp will have enough gain for Shelter 501/II, you don't need step up.
Shelter both 501/II and 901 works well with SME 309, IV, and V models(I have used them in VPI HW19-MKIV and Michell Gyro/Orbe with Shelter cartridges). If you have more than one cartridge and planning to swap them often, 309 works well due to its removable headshell(also gives azimouth adjustment).
SME arms needs better tonearm cable, their stock cable doesn't sound that good...