Shelter 501 MKII (Elliptical version)
A pristine example of a pre-owned high-end cartridge from renowned Japanese maker, Shelter—carefully maintained and in excellent condition.
The Shelter 501 Mk II is a stereo 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.
This Shelter 501 II (elliptical version) is a Japanese moving-coil cartridge by Shelter known for combining classic analog warmth with improved detail retrieval. While many 501 II units were supplied with a conical stylus, some later and export batches came factory-fitted with an elliptical diamond, offering better tracking, cleaner inner-groove performance, and greater high-frequency resolution.
With a low output of around 0.4 mV, ~12 Ω internal impedance, and medium compliance, it pairs best with medium-mass tonearms and a properly matched MC phono stage (typically ~100 Ω load). Sonically, it delivers a rich, weighty midrange, smooth treble, and natural musical flow, while the elliptical stylus adds extra clarity and separation compared to the standard conical version.
Highly regarded for vocals, jazz, and acoustic music, the elliptical 501 II is also an excellent candidate for advanced retipping.
Accessories:
Original Box & Papers
Brush
Digital download link for manual