VPI Scout or Michell Technodec?

Crazy4blues,
I suspect that 60db before your line stage will be plenty for a 501, unless you have a VERY low gain line stage.

I have a Shelter 901, similar output to a 501 (.1mv more). The 67db of gain I have before my line stage is much more than sufficient. I rarely turn the gain control past 9:30 or so, 12:00 would blow the house down.

If you do go with a Shelter or other lowish compliance cartridge, look into whether Twl's HIFI Mod can be fitted to an RB300 somehow. It might take some ingenuity due to the arm's non-symmetrical bearing structure. But it's worth it.

Crazy... I have the Gyro SE with Shelter 501 - which I believe is .4mV not .3mV. I any case, it has plenty of gain with my Plimius M14 phonostage (60dB gain for MC) and Lamm LL2 preamp. Another tweak I tried with the gyro is to use very stiff springs and washers under the armboard in place of the solid spacers. This allows infinite adjustment of VTA and azimuth (even while the record is playing if you're careful!). I've been warned by Gert that this could intoduce some noise in the arm as springs can "sing" but the only singing I have heard is coming from me as I listen to my LP's.

Hi, all. Thanks for all of your suggestions. I got a really good deal on a .9 mV Benz Micro Glider, and it's doing a great job right now. There's more than enough gain; my records play louder than my CDP, which is the first time I've ever experienced this phenomenon. But I'll go ahead and stick with this set up for a while. My system is supposed to be "Budget Minded," so I know that my back end probably is not totally up to the front end--but it's still pretty fun. No, there's no need right now to start hunting for the perfect cartridge. The Glider is performing really well right now.