Thanks John Fink.The tonearm cable plug is crimped in place. It can be removed but putting it back, or substituting another one, is quire a different matter.
Yes, your understanding is correct.As I recall and from what I can see, the pin connector at the bottom of the Empire 990 tonearm (598 II) is part of the tonearm and as such, should be a part of a stand alone tonearm. Am I correct in this understanding and, what would you experts think the availability and price of a 990 arm only might be?
Yes, your understanding is correct.
As to availability, they were sold as a separate product so they should be out there independent of a 598.
As to the springs, I don't think you are going to have much luck. The suspension system is a "tuned" one, so you would have to get the exact kind of spring (weight, thickness, length, strength) in order to keep it working properly.
I am supremely jealous.Picked up a Fairchild 412 recently, and shortly afterwards a 98 arm, NOS in box. And a few days ago was able to acquire an extra headshell, and a Dyna Lift, both that should be arriving shortly.
Somehow the silver platter and gold arm clash to my eyes... both nice pieces though.
Pretty much impossible. The connector in the 98 arm is press fit in, and is very tight. You would have to somehow push it out from behind to remove it, and trying to do that could damage the bearings. And even if you could, I would be surprised if you could find a similar SME piece to fit in.Hey folks, I’d asked before but nobody answered - have any of you tried changing out the electrical connector in a 98 tonearm, to match up with an SME type headshell? The headshell that came with my 98 arm, while still functional, is missing small chunks of plating. I don’t want to spend a bunch on another 98 headshell (assuming I could even find one), so thought I’d adapt a common SME pattern shell - if possible. Anyone done this?
Pretty much impossible. The connector in the 98 arm is press fit in, and is very tight. You would have to somehow push it out from behind to remove it, and trying to do that could damage the bearings. And even if you could, I would be surprised if you could find a similar SME piece to fit in.
Have you tried putting a regular headshell on the 98? Truth is the connector in the 98 arm will accept a SME type headshell. But... (and there's always a but. LOL)... Maybe you can find a way since now, you do have that motivation I didn't have.
Enjoy the adventure!Well,after lusting after one of these for many years,I finally joined the Empire club several weeks ago.Finding the time needed to install the new motor grommets and belt I ordered from Esoteric is going to be another story though!
What a find; an absolutely beautiful 698
Enjoy the adventure!