Words by Ozawa-san
When I look back at early Moving Coil cartridge design, the models with the shortest life span were the ones that were not well balanced. Sonic characteristics stood out due to choice of materials used. For the last 30 years, the MC cartridge has been manufactured with various materials, both in the motor system and body-shell. However, just a handful of these trusted materials are used by most of today’s cartridge manufacturers. Since the beginning, Shelter has chosen aluminum for its body-shells and cantilevers: although today’s models use boron or aluminum in regards to the later.

For the first time we have chosen CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic) for the body-shell of our new reference model named Harmony. This material has superior characteristics of absorbing and decreasing vibrations. The resonance frequency of this CFRP material is out of the audible frequency range.

Thus having less coloration but allowing the reproduced signal many sonic advantages. Also in use is our aluminum cantilever with OFC lead wire. The cantilever is slightly shorter for added strength and rapid response. The stylus tip is a line contact; used to prevent the tendency of unclear outline due to the aluminum cantilever; simultaneously improves tracking ability. This combination of modern body-shell and traditional motor system allows The Harmony to draw out subtle nuances from the analog disc. But at the same time it has the ability to capture and reproduce natural sounds regardless of the music genre.

Shelter Harmony Specifcations

Output Voltage: .5mV

Weight: 8.5g

Channel Balance: Within 0.8 db at 1Khz

Tacking Force: 1.4 - 2.2g

Stylus Tip: 1.6 x 0.3mil Line Contact Nude Diamond

DC Resistance: 15ohm