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Best Tonearm Match for Shelter 901

I remember reading here on Audigon that some of the "best" tonearms (Graham in particular) are not suited for use with the Shelter 901 or 501 cartridge -- for whatever reason.

If anyone has recommendations for what they consider the best tonearm for the Shelter(s), I'd love to know what those arms are and why they would be a good match.

Also, if you could expand on why certain arms may not work well with this cartridge type -- I'd like to learn.

I currently use the Shelter with a Linn Ittok tonearm with what seems like great success, however I am in the process of building a Teres and would like to purchase the best arm possible for that table.
bwhite
jhardy
63 posts
 
Thanks Twl for the response. I apologize for you writing this over again because after I wrote that question, I found a 12/26/02 response from you regarding someones SME 309 vs. JMW 10 vs. Graham 1.5 thread. It was an excellent explanation of the compliance issue for me also.
rwd
695 posts
 
Twl, you always amaze me with, not only the complete knowledge of vinyl, but the way you communicate it. Up front and honest and in a very non-confrontational manor.
My hat's off to you....

.....Oh by the way....if your ever in town (NYC) I'd love you to come by and check up my Turntable/arm set up!

Rick
bwhite OP
807 posts
 
TWL - thanks for the great response. While it may be the preferred method, I'm still new to this and easily freaked out by things like the "thread and weight" method of setting up the anti-skate bias. Perhaps the only way to overcome that "fear" is to just give it a shot.

When you and I first set up my Linn LP12, I was freaked out then too... but, now after doing it a couple times I find the setup to be a piece of cake.

So since I'm going to try and overcome the tonearm adjustment fear.. what about a Moerch?

On another topic, have you heard about the new Teres with the Cocobolo platter? :)
twl
3,251 posts
 
Bwhite, Moerch is a good arm. It's not one that I would select personally for myself, but you could do alot worse. About the adjustment methods, all you have to do, is adjust it once, and you know how to do it. You just have to get on the bicycle and ride the damn thing!

Yes, I've known about the Cocobolo platter for about 6 months now. I haven't heard it, as I'm still trying to save up for the 255 platter. The word on the Teres forum is that it is better, but there is still some question about the long term stability of the wood, ie. it might shrink, move about, or change shape over time, and depending on conditions. From what I've heard, it is still an experimental thing, but there will be a few for sale, if you want one.
bwhite OP
807 posts
 
Whoops - I didn't realize (prior to posting) that Moerch is a unipivot design and would fall into the category of "not" being the best option for a low compliance cartridge like the Shelter. I think I'll look elsewhere...

Speaking of elsewhere, I'm also very interested in linear tracking arms (like the Eminent Technology) -- but there again, I have no clue how to set 'em up. :(

DO you have any thoughts on the linear tracking arms?
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