There is a review of it in one of the older Tonepublications on line mag. I'm not sure which issue. I haven't tried it.
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Specifications: Output: 0.55 mV at 1kHz 5 cm/sec Magnet: Samarium Cobalt Coils: 6N OFC (copper) Cantilever: aluminum-coated boron System body: anodized aluminum Frequency Response: 20 - 30,000 Hz / DC Resistance: 9 Ohms Channel balance: <0.8 dB at 1 kHz Channel separation: 30 dB at 1 KHz Stylus: elliptical, 0.3 x 0.7 mil diamond naked Tracking force: 1.4 to 2.0 grams, depending on the cutting angle Termination: up to 20 Ohms with transformer, within 100 Ohms with phono amplifier Weight: 9.1 grams The motor design is different from the original 901, which has the same specs except output 0.5 mV, DC resistance 14 Ohms, and load impedance 20 Ohms with transformer. A review of the cartridge appears in Issue 24 of Tone Audio. $2300 Dealer disclaimer. |
There's not that much of a difference, it's just marginally better in all areas than the Mk1. With new Mk1's available for as little as 1200 dollars and the Mk2 costing twice as much, it's a huge amount more for little additional improvement, from my experience. If both mine got nicked (or something) I'd replace the Mk1 only. |
Haven't heard the MkII but the Shelter 901 MkI is one of my all time favorite pieces of hifi gear. In a Linn Ittok LVII arm on a LP12 with good tube gear and good speakers it can be almost breathtakingingly delightful (that's very good :) from the very low end thru the mids to the very top end - with great imaging; it does everything. |
I think that designers of cartridges and cars should stick with good designs and allow them to remain affordable rather than trying to improve on something that needs no improvement. the result of "new and improved" may not be better and the raising of the price makes users of the original model feel angry at the company for pricing them out. I like the original 901 and feel it needs no improvement and now cannot afford a Mark 2 901. The company has alienated me in this regard. |