I've only heard the Shelter so the following is theoretical.
The Helikon has been called cool by some. The ZYX and Shelter receive nothing but lavish praise. People who've heard both in the same system say they're equally good with only very subtle differences. The 901 is far less costly, why pay more?
With little ability to audition cartridges at this level, the above argument is what led me to choose the 901. FWIW, we're immensely pleased. No temptation whatsoever to try anything different.
The Helikon has been called cool by some. The ZYX and Shelter receive nothing but lavish praise. People who've heard both in the same system say they're equally good with only very subtle differences. The 901 is far less costly, why pay more?
With little ability to audition cartridges at this level, the above argument is what led me to choose the 901. FWIW, we're immensely pleased. No temptation whatsoever to try anything different.