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

Showing 2 responses by nameci

I have used RB600, SME 309, SME IV, SME V, and ET-2 arms with my Shelter 901. I have had real good success with SME arms and ET-2 arm(did not care for RB600 much). I wouldn't say it would be best since I have not tried other arms but SME and ET-2 arms work well(SME on Michell Gyro/Orbe and SME and ET-2 on VPI) with Shelter 901. But this does not mean that they will also work well on Teres. One thing that I have been finding out with Shelter 901 is that you need tone arm that will give you full/easy adjustment on VTA/VTF.
Eminent Tech. ET2 and ET 2.5 arms are excellent arms.
Yes, they are slightly more involved in setting up but you get rewarded with the result.
As long as you have near by closet or room, you can set the pump outside of the listening room(longer the air tube, better it is). Stock ET pumps are not that noisy either even if you need to keep the pump in the listening room.
Once they are set up, my set up did not need much maintenance unless I move the turntable. Cartridge changing is a breeze due to removable arm tube.
If you can set up your own cartridge, you can set up this arm. When you are looking for one, make sure they are either stock or just have Wisa/Surge tank upgrade. Don't purchase one if they have too many DIY modifications.