Denon/Shelter with SME 309 and Ear 834P


Hi!

Anyone know if the Denon 103R or Shelter 501 will work with this combo? If not, any suggestions on compatible cartridges?

Thanks in advance.

Mike
1musiclover
SME 309 is a faulty arm. Although I question if it is important in a context of that 103R but I would suggest (If you’re wiling to stay short) going for SME 3009. Nether 103R not 501 will have any bass with stock a SME and you will need to ad mass to the head. However, I again question if it is all mater in context of the 834P step-up transformer that that screw bass more aggressively then the curent lunatic-president screws this country… Search for the T. Loesch’s guide for 834P modification (~$150) and use a better step-up (good luck to find). Generally the Torthenified 834P with a proper trans should yield even with 103R pretty dissent result and you will be able to show a big middle finger to all of those super-duper self-important phonostages…

Good luck,
Romy the Cat
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...
I have used Cardas Golden Cross, Audioquest S-4, Cardas Cross, Van Den Hul, and Discovery phono cables on my SME arms(I have owned 309, IV, and V). I prefer Cardas Golden Cross overall which I kept.
I also have made DIY phono cable using solid silver(pure silver) wire and teflon insulation, terminated with Neutrik RCA plugs and Cardas right angle DIN with great success. Believe me or not, I have this DIY phone cable as reference as now.
Contact me directly via email if you would like the receipe.