2. analog
  3. 1325647942

Love the shelter 501MK2, what's the next step

...if I was to budget up to $5000.00....

The Shelter is currently partnered with an Oracle Delphi MK VI, SME 345 Tonearm, Sutherland PHD, Primaluna Dialogue 3 Pream, Primaluna Dialogue 7 w/KT-77 tubes, Gallo Ref 3.5 and Nordost Tyr cable all around.

I have lots of CD, I also have a Mac mini server for convenience, so when I sit down for some vinyls I do want midrange lushness, great tonal range, great depth and sound-staging.

I only got back into analog 4 years ago and I listen mostly to well recorded jazz, vocals not much Pop/Rock. I selected the shelter with a second hand Avid Diva as a starter and kept the cartridge when I move up to the Oracle a few months ago. I really like the sound, I am not looking at fixing anything in particular, just wandering if I am missing something that I don't know that I am wanting as I have not much exposure with other cartridge.

Should I stay with the shelter 501? or am I missing something? Up to 5K budget.
firewall

Showing 2 responses by marakanetz

marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
Lyra Kleos. No need to spend $5k
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
Kleos will give you longer service, incredible stability and tracking and also the details you've never heard before upto hearing overdubbing echoes especially if you listen via headphones.
I'm so addicted to Lyras that still believe that better than Lyra could only be better Lyra.
I was many times recommended to try out Shelter 501MKII instead of Lyra Argo, but Shelter did not convince me at all. Due to the one of the highest accuracy, Lyras may have higher noise floor. It would in most cases seem similar if you A/B-ing the tape deck with or without Dolby NR as you would compare Shelter or Benz to Lyra.
As to tonearm limitations, Kleos would sing on stock Rega RB250 or any other basic tonearms as long as compliance is OK which is OK in your case. You can also work on upgrading tonearm wires for the remains of your budget. Audiofeil is a dealer of expensive toys with luxury point of view:-)
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