SHELTER - 501II CARTRIDGE on Technics 1200 Table

Dsper, I assume Sidsip is referring to the resonance frequency of the combined Shelter/SL-1200 arm. It's a complicated subject, probably beyond the patience of anyone to explain comprehensively in a single forum post. In any case, it would be good to educate yourself on the topic. Just Google "cartridge tonearm matching," and you will find a wealth of information, including the following:

http://www.theanalogdept.com/cartridge___arm_matching.htm

http://www.gcaudio.com/resources/howtos/tonearmcartridge.html

So....having read some more about this topic (thank you for the direction, Hesson11!), I know that light weight tone arms work better with high compliance cartridges. I also think I can explain why - whoppee!

The mathematical formulas that would tell you that your tone arm and cartridge selection are compatible (at least mathematically) refer to a sweet spot.

Based on who is writing the guidance, they refer to managing the resonance within the 10 to 14 HZ range, others talk about 9 to 11 HZ being best, etc.

What surprises me is that other posts identify the Denon 103 and the Audio Technica 150MKII as sounding very good with a Technics stock arm. Yet, unless I calculated something wrong, those two cartridges seem to not fall within the resonance sweet spot. I have run a Denon 103R and did not seem to have problems with it.

Do what is this all about?

Is there where fluid dampers and two inch solid wood bases start to play into the discussion?

According to mathematical formulas, bumblebees can't fly. The Technics arm is not exactly the last word in precision engineering, so I think the better path is to find out what cartridges people have been using in that arm to good effect, rather than trying to slide-rule the thing out. I mean, it may be interesting for you to go through this, so have at it. I've spoken with people who build speakers, amplifiers and musical instruments and they all seem to agree on one thing - formulas can get you in the ballpark, but the only way to really know what the thing sounds like is to build it and see. Just ask Stradivari.