I went from a Denon 103R to a Denon 103D and then a Benz Micro L2 and finally a Shelter 501 II. I sold them all and went back to the 103D. The Shelter really reminded me of the Denon. I wouldn't say its a great difference let alone improvement over the Denon.
I have to add this though... I've recently retired the Denon (I'll never sell it) and have started buying old Audio Technica MM carts from the late 70's and early 80's and I'm very much enjoying the sound of these cartridges as well. In fact, I'd stack my AT155LC from 1981 against the Shelter 501 MkII any day. (And the AT was $80.)
My TT is a VPI HW-19 MK III and my Tonearm is a RB300 with new cardas wire and a drop counterweight. My phono pre is the Acoustech PH-1.
I have to add this though... I've recently retired the Denon (I'll never sell it) and have started buying old Audio Technica MM carts from the late 70's and early 80's and I'm very much enjoying the sound of these cartridges as well. In fact, I'd stack my AT155LC from 1981 against the Shelter 501 MkII any day. (And the AT was $80.)
My TT is a VPI HW-19 MK III and my Tonearm is a RB300 with new cardas wire and a drop counterweight. My phono pre is the Acoustech PH-1.