Trying different cartridges can be both fun and informative. The Shelter 501 is one of the very best cartridges in its' price range, and I think your "testimonial" counts for a lot:
"I have the shelter 501ii on my vpi scout/jmw9.0. I Like the combo."
If you like the Shelter 501 in your system, then stick with it, unless you simply have the audiophile itch to see if the grass is greener elsewhere. If your budget is OK, buy the Lyra, but keep the Shelter until you find out whether you like the Lyra. If you don't like the Lyra, you can re-sell it.
The Lyra is rated at 0.6 mV output, while the Shelter is rated at 0.4 mV, so you won't have any problems with low output.
"I have the shelter 501ii on my vpi scout/jmw9.0. I Like the combo."
If you like the Shelter 501 in your system, then stick with it, unless you simply have the audiophile itch to see if the grass is greener elsewhere. If your budget is OK, buy the Lyra, but keep the Shelter until you find out whether you like the Lyra. If you don't like the Lyra, you can re-sell it.
The Lyra is rated at 0.6 mV output, while the Shelter is rated at 0.4 mV, so you won't have any problems with low output.