Shelter 501 II owners: how long is the break-in?

James, it was long ago.
My vague recollection is that the bass was a little muddy out of the chute, and highs were very extended. After break-in, I was very pleased with perforance, and amazed at relative to its price. It's a great value IMHO. Cheers,
Spencer

Spencer,

What did you upgrade from? I have the Denon DL-103 now, curious what can be had for more $$$ out there?

thanks,
James

I upgraded from a Denon DL-103R to the Shelter 501 and I must have about 75 hours on it now. I agree with what Spencer said about the bass and the highs at first. Now though, the bass is strong, extended and controlled, midrange is clear and precise and the highs are just as extended although the overall balance is much better than it was. Dare I say it's still getting better? Images are a lot more holographic now also, which is what I hoping I'd hear from this cartridge.

James,
I upgraded from nothing. It was a return after a long vinyl hiatus for me. A few months ago, I upgraded to a ZYX Airy3, which was done at the same time I upgraded my table & arm. (see my system page, "Spencer's Funhouse" for details) Therefore, it's tough to draw conclusions about the cart change alone. For more than the Shelter, I think ZYX Airy 2 is worthy of consideration. So are the carts from Jan Allaerts, but you're getting into some higher $.
The 501 was sold to my buddy, slipknot1, who also had a Denon 103, as well as a Dynavector cart. Cheers,
Spencer

Hey thanks guys. I'm sure the 501 is quite a step up. Right now I cannot fathom because I've never heard.

So far I'm very impressed with the 103, however this is my first venture back into vinyl since the days of Technics Linear Tracking...:)

The ease of flow is very very pleasant, and the dynamics are very fast. How does the Shelter differ if any?