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Acoustic Research AR-XA versus Empire 298

slial

slial

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Just soliciting opinions on these 2 turntables as I have a bead on both for a possible purchase. I have 2 Thorens TD-124's and need another turntable like a hole in the head...BUT I am looking anyway.

I know these are two different types of tables from two different eras, but was hoping some experienced opinions could steer me towards one of them.

Scott
 
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slial said:
Just soliciting opinions on these 2 turntables as I have a bead on both for a possible purchase. I have 2 Thorens TD-124's and need another turntable like a hole in the head...BUT I am looking anyway.

I know these are two different types of tables from two different eras, but was hoping some experienced opinions could steer me towards one of them.

Scott
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Different eras? The Empire, Thorens, AR XA were the era. The Empire certainly was the looker of the group. Published specs aside, the XA was the quietest of the group. Don't know how you could go wrong with either.
 
I thought the AR was a little later. I'm sure some would recommend just buying both but I am trying to avoid that if possible. And I agree, the looks on the Empire are just great.
 
The AR was slightly later than the TD-124. The Thorens came out around 1958 or '59 and the AR/XA debuted in '62 or maybe '63.
 
Stromberg-Carlson, then AR, then everyone else. I think the Thorens was a somewhat different approach akin to the springs-under-baseplate arrangement used in console changers but more sophisticated..
 
My preference would be the Empire, but that's simply because I love its looks. I grew up with an AR in my house, and I don't think I could deal with its spartan nature at my age. I really need a cuing mechanism at the very least.

I'm happy with my present turntables for sonics and utility, and an Empire is one of the few turntables I'd add to the stable, primarily, again, for its looks. Perhaps I'd set it up with a conical stylus or some other "special purpose" cartridge and use it as appropriate.
 
slial said:
I thought the AR was a little later. I'm sure some would recommend just buying both but I am trying to avoid that if possible. And I agree, the looks on the Empire are just great.
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Go for both, do the shootout and make up your mind later (whether to keep both or to keep one or the other, or to nix the deal and sell both). I doubt you will do the latter, unless you insist on a digital front end for some reason or another.:yes:
 
The Empires are fantastically well-built and finished eye candy that delivers, the ARs pure understated engineering elegance that delivers. The AR's arm might do better with higher compliance carts than the Empire's arm.
For me the Empires were part of the Marantz/Macintosh/Thorens upper-end while the ARs appealed to folk that were assembling Dynaco or Harmon-Kardon Citation kits. I have strong sentimental regards for both but I lean more toward the AR to refurbish and play, the Empire as a thing of functional beauty once unattainable to refurbish and play and show.
Sorry if this isn't directly helpful but obviously neither is junk.
 
I'm feeling the peer pressure and temptation to get both. I too am very attracted to the robust engineering and styling of the Empire, yet drawn to the utter simplicity of the AR. :scratch2:
 
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Ok, I'll take a stab at it.....

slial said:
True Big Bill but in what areas would you prefer one over the other. Or are they too different to make comparisons and preferences?
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It really just boils down to which "sound" you prefer. The AR XA will have that "sprung" sound which I would describe as "light and airy" (best I can do). The Empire 398 has that "heavy flywheel" sound which I would describe as "solid and fast" (some refer to it as P.R.A.T.). I personally like both "sounds" and own examples of both. :yes: Why not just do yourself a favor and buy both, you wont regret it. :no:
 
Big Bill said:
It really just boils down to which "sound" you prefer. The AR XA will have that "sprung" sound which I would describe as "light and airy" (best I can do). The Empire 398 has that "heavy flywheel" sound which I would describe as "solid and fast" (some refer to it as P.R.A.T.). I personally like both "sounds" and own examples of both. :yes: Why not just do yourself a favor and buy both, you wont regret it. :no:
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Isn't it amazing how we can convince ourselves that owning multiples of these beauties is the way to go. My wife can't figure out why I have 2 now, nevermind multiplying to 4! But the temptation is there I must say.

And I'm willing to bet the Empire performs more similarly to my TD-124s, making the change of pace with the AR more logical.
 
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slial said:
Isn't it amazing how we can convince ourselves that owning multiples of these beauties is the way to go. My wife can't figure out why I have 2 now, nevermind multiplying to 4! But the temptation is there I must say.

And I'm willing to bet the Empire performs more similarly to my TD-124s, making the change of pace with the AR more logical.
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It's moments like these when I ask my wife (when she mentions the number of something I own)....."how many pairs of shoes do you own?" :D:smoke:
 
Both are good turntables, technically the Empire is superior of the two. And like the AR has a tonearm not up to the rest of the deck.
 
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