AT311EP vs Empire Gold cartridge?

[John Parkey]

Greetings. I have an inexpensive Pioneer PL-300 table that came with an AT311EP cartridge. The stylist needs to be replaced. I also have an Empire Gold cartridge, but the base is boomy when I use it on a PL-516 and PL-520 and with a Pioneer Receiver, a Yamaha Receiver, a Mobile Fidelity Phono Pre amp, and a Musical Fidelity Phono Pre amp. I have tried adjusting the capacitance and impedance when that was possible.

So which cartridge is better?

If the AT311EP cartridge, do you know where I can get a new stylist?

If the Empire Gold, do you know if changing the stylist will provide a more balanced presentation, ie no more boomy base?

Thank you for your help. I plan to use the PL-300 on a secondary system with a Yamaha CR-640 receiver and a pair of Boston Acoustics T830 speakers. I listen to vocals, soft rock, and classical.

John

 

[John Parkey]

Whoops, I just looked at the Empire cartridge with a magnifying glass. It has this label: Empire 2000Eiii. The person who gave me the cartridge told me it was an Empire Gold. Sorry for my confusion.

 

[Wolfie62]

With the right stylus, the Empire 2000E is a very good cartridge. The AT 311 is a p-mount version of the AT91/3600. I have both (several Empire 2000E and AT331LP and clones) and the Empire is capable of nice detail and finesse. The AT cart is no slouch, either. But based on “potential”, the Empire exceeds the AT cart. Both depend on fitting a good stylus.

 

[John Parkey]

With the right stylus, the Empire 2000E is a very good cartridge. The AT 311 is a p-mount version of the AT91/3600. I have both (several Empire 2000E and AT331LP and clones) and the Empire is capable of nice detail and finesse. The AT cart is no slouch, either. But based on “potential”, the Empire exceeds the AT cart. Both depend on fitting a good stylus.

Thank you, that is the information I was looking for. Where do you suggest I find a good stylus for the Empire?

 

[Wolfie62]

I’m not sure. I have 1 NOS stylus. I haven’t bought any aftermarkets.

You could check the “Anyone else running vintage Empire carts thread”.