SHELTER Model 501 III Legendary Line - MC Phono Cartridge

Shelter Model 501 III – Legendary Line MC Phono Cartridge

Refined precision and musical authority for demanding vinyl systems. The Shelter Model 501 III is a moving-coil phono cartridge from the Legendary Line, crafted for listeners seeking higher resolution, greater dynamic control and exceptional tonal realism. Hand-assembled in Japan, it represents a significant step forward in transparency and musical refinement.

• Low-output moving-coil (MC) cartridge with enhanced resolution
• Handcrafted in Japan with precision assembly
• Exceptional tracking, channel balance and stereo imaging
• Designed for serious high-end analog playback

Product Overview

The Shelter Model 501 III builds upon the musical foundation of the 301 while offering improved clarity, speed and control. Its refined coil assembly and carefully tuned suspension allow it to retrieve fine detail from vinyl grooves while preserving Shelter’s signature natural tonal balance.

The cartridge body and internal construction are optimized to minimize resonance and distortion, resulting in greater focus, cleaner transients and a more expansive soundstage. The 501 III is designed for listeners ready to elevate their analog system to a more revealing level.

Listening Experience

The 501 III delivers a highly detailed, open and dynamically expressive presentation. Vocals gain clarity and presence, instruments are rendered with excellent separation, and complex musical passages remain composed and coherent.

Bass is tight, articulate and well-extended, providing a solid foundation without excess weight. High frequencies are airy and refined, offering excellent extension while remaining smooth and fatigue-free. The soundstage expands in width and depth, creating a realistic and immersive listening experience.

Recommended Systems

Best suited for high-quality analog systems equipped with dedicated MC phono stages or step-up transformers. The 501 III benefits from precise setup and stable tonearms, rewarding careful installation with outstanding musical performance.

Ideal Applications

• High-end turntable and tonearm combinations
• Systems using dedicated MC phono preamplifiers
• Listeners seeking improved resolution over entry-level MC cartridges
• Jazz, classical, progressive and well-recorded rock collections

Technical Specifications

• Type: Low-output moving-coil (MC) phono cartridge
• Output voltage: Approx. 0.4 mV
• Internal impedance: Approx. 9 Ω
• Recommended load impedance: Typically 100 Ω
• Channel separation: Excellent for stable imaging
• Compliance: Suitable for medium to high-mass tonearms
• Construction: Precision-machined body, hand-assembled in Japan

Why Choose the Shelter Model 501 III?

The Shelter Model 501 III is the ideal choice for vinyl enthusiasts seeking a meaningful upgrade in resolution, dynamics and spatial realism. Combining Japanese craftsmanship with a refined, musical tuning, it delivers a deeply engaging analog experience that rewards serious listening and high-quality system matching.