Cartridge and Stylus for Empire Troubadour 598 11

[alanbar]

We want to replace the cartridge and stylus on our Empire 598 II turntable. (Currently we have a Micro Acoustics 50 PE.) What is out there that would be the best choice?

 

[malden]

I don't know if there is a single best cartridge for the 598 but I think medium compliance cartridges suit that tone-arm well. I use a couple of Shure cartridges of the EJ variety in mine and they track and sound very good.

 

[Empireman]

I like the Shure V-15 type III on mine. Need to get a spare cartridge sled one day

 

[WaynerN]

I've run an AT44MLa(now b) with success.

 

[MRL_Audio]

Why not run a period correct vintage Empire cartridge? 1000 Z/EX comes to mind.

 

[twiiii]

Empire along with Grado tone arms have head shell connection problems, but if you have corrected that issue. Why not try one of Ortofons or Dynavectors HO Moving Coils. I think you will really be surprised.

 

[alanbar]

Hi all,
Thanks for the suggestions. What I should have added was that what I prefer to buy is a cartridge and stylus that is currently in production. I am running the turntable through an Onkyo receiver and new Martin Logan 15 bookshelf speakers.

 

[alanbar]

It has been suggested that I look at the Orthophon Red and Blue cartridges. Has any one had any experience with them and/or have a preference of one over the other?

 

[stinz]

I use the Ortofon Blue on three of my turntables, it is a great cartridge but have not tried it on my 598, just a little hesitant because of the chance of breaking something. The blue is light years better then the red ortofon.

 

[Dadbar]

I use an AT150mlx......medium compliance. Works really well with the arm and looks good too (it is gold toned)

 

[alanbar]

I use the Ortofon Blue on three of my turntables, it is a great cartridge but have not tried it on my 598, just a little hesitant because of the chance of breaking something. The blue is light years better then the red ortofon.

 

[alanbar]

Are you concerned about any difficulty in the installation? We are leaning towards the blue.

 

[stinz]

I have just heard how delicate the wires are and don't want to open up a can of worms. I have a nice 681EEE on it now that sounds good but next time I see a Blue off price I'll pick one up for the Empire,

 

[JFRACE]

I have just heard how delicate the wires are and don't want to open up a can of worms. I have a nice 681EEE on it now that sounds good but next time I see a Blue off price I'll pick one up for the Empire,

For the cart on there now, you'll be going backwards with a blue. If you have an actual eee stylus, try to upgrade to the eee-s or Jico shibata, will save you money and time with setting up a new cart.