Shelter 501 II Cartridge – Sonic Performance Beyond Its Price.
The Shelter 501 Mk II is a moving coil (MC) phono cartridge, known for delivering a rich, engaging sound that emphasizes depth, warmth, and a spacious soundstage. Created by Shelter’s founder, Mr. Ozawa, a former Fidelity Research engineer, the 501 Mk II showcases the brand's legacy in high-quality audio gear. This cartridge is appreciated for its smooth tonal balance and natural yet lively sound, often praised for its deep midrange and extended bass response. With an output of 0.4mV, the 501 Mk II works well with most MC-compatible phono stages and exhibits strong trackability, handling intricate musical passages without distortion or skipping. Audiophiles highlight the 501 Mk II's ability to create a "you are there" sensation with vocals and instruments, providing an immersive listening experience. Users also note the cartridge's distinctively warm, emotive signature, which makes it a popular choice among those who value musicality over clinical precision. The cartridge’s design includes a conical stylus and boron cantilever, which contribute to its responsive dynamics and reliability. While not the most neutral cartridge, it prioritizes an expressive sound with strong imaging, making it suitable for those who enjoy a slightly colored yet highly engaging sound profile
Accessories:
Original Box & Papers
Brush
Digital download link for manual
Shelter 501 MKII MC (Mono) Phono Cartridge
Moving Coil (MC) Stereo Phono Cartridge
Output Voltage: 0.4mV at 1kHz 5cm/sec.
Channel Balance: within 1.0dB at 1kHz
Stylus: New Boron Cantilever
Stylus Profile: Elliptical (0.3 x 0.7)
Weight: 8.1g
DC Resistance: 12 ohm
Tracking Force Range: 1.4 to 2.0g
Recommended Load Impedance: When using a Step-up transformer load at 20 ohms, Head amplifier or High gain EQ-amplifier load at 100 ohms.
Channel Separation at 1 kHz: >25dB
Made by Shelter Inc. Japan