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Setting up a Shelter 501MK II

This is my first MC cartridge and I was hoping someone could give me some sound advice on the best phono stage settings for this cartridge. The technical data that comes with the Shelter 501 gives a recommended load impedance as follows:
Step-up trans within 20 ohm
head amplifier within 100 ohm
high gain EQ-amplifier within 47 Kohm

I assume by EQ-amplifier they mean a phono stage? My phono stage is a Audio Alchemy VAC-in-the-box. I was running a Grado Platinium (MM)at 47K with 250 capacitance with great results.The VAC has the capability of adding jumpers for 100 ohms,1K ohm,10K ohm or default at 47K ohm. I was always under the impression that the 47K was for MM and that the MC would be set at a different value. The way Shelter desribes the settings I am not sure exactly what they mean by within 47K? If any of you shelter owners are out there I could use some friendly advice.Also what do I do about the capacitance settings?
Thank you,
Capeman
capeman
tubegb's avatar
tubegb
59 posts
 
Capeman:

I think you will love this cartridge. Don't worry so much about the capacitance, but you do want to load it to 100 ohms. It is pretty sensitive to overhang and alignment, so take your time in the setup.

Good luck,

Tubegb
stevecham
3,298 posts
 
The 100 Ohm load should work well with cartridge (I own two!). Also, after much experimentation, I have found that 1.80 grams for the vertical force works best. I agree with Tubegb in that overhang and alignment matter a great deal.

You'll be fine...enjoy and HNY!
stevecham
3,298 posts
 
Oh yeah and forget about capacitance with an MC cart, not needed.
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