Good clear sound, strong bass & treble as well as an even output throughout the entire audible spectrum.

Perhaps a little heavy. Works on my turntable, but is more weight than any other cartridge I've had.

After trying several different cartridges over the last five years, I finally found the one I like. I went through, Shure V15, Sumiko Blue Point Special, Grado Reference and finally ended up with the Shelter. Compared to the other cartridges, the 501 really does make a great improvement in the sound. The bass & the highs are much more pronounced and clearer. After being spoiled with the sound of CD's it took me a while to get my vinyl to sound the way it should with the proper cartridge. I have never had any problems with the tracking, skipping or too much surface noise. Just the sound of the tunes. On some records I can actually hear the hiss from the originas recording studio tape with no other backround noise at all. That say a lot right there. It costs big bucks compared to the others, but sounds like it as well. I am using it on a Technics SL1210 turntable, which some may think is a "toad" as far as turntables go, but the combination sounds great being played through Krell & Infinity equipment. I recommend this cartridge to others if you have the money. Much, much better than the ones I tried and ended up selling. I am giving 4 stars to value only because they are not giving it away @ $800. You have to be a devoted listener to shell out that much money for a cartridge. But if you are devoted I think this cartridge sounds awsome.

Similar Products Used:

Shure V15vmxr, Sumiko Blue Point Special, Grado Reference & a few other older models from the 70's.