Shelter cartridges...Any thoughts?

I can't compare the shelter to your other choices and the cartridge is heavily dependant on the arm you use but I went out of my way to listen to an Origin arm/Shelter combo recently and was impressed. Specifically, the Origin Live Illustrious arm, and a Shelter 901. I also heard the Shelter 501 and the Origin Live Encounter arm.

I listened to them on the recomendation of Tom(TWL). I talked to him recently and his advise to me was:Teres,Origin,Shelter.

Cheers
I remain

I have Nottingham (Spacedeck)/Origin Live(Illustrious)/Shelter(501 MkII).

Fabulous.

I have heard both the 901 and 501 in the Illustrious. They are, IMHO, equally fine cartridges, depending on tastes. I find the 901 a bit more detailed while the 501 has a certain warmth (not dark) that makes me sometimes have a hard time deciding between the two. Either way, they are fine cartridges and I think they both best the Helikon (which I have heard on several occasions). If buying an OL arm, I advise to inspect it thoroughly before purchase. Great performance. Uneven QC. IMHO

With a proper arm, you can't go wrong with a Shelter cartridge. I agree with Craig, and with David's assessment above. I use a 501 and like it very much. I use a modified OL Silver tonearm with it. They make a good match, OL/Shelter.

Of course, there are other good cartridges, but Shelter is very tough to beat for the money.

My only thought is that you can't have mine, though you're certainly welcome to come over and listen!

Shelter 901/OL Silver/Twl's HIFI Mod/Teres 265

Agree with David on OL's QC, but not to worry if you buy new from a reputable source. OL stands behind the product. I received a wonky VTA adjuster with my new arm and it was replaced lickety-split.