Empire 698

canuckaudiog

canuckaudiog

On a quest for high fidelity
Hey AK,

Need a little help with this one. There's one local to me for $555 Canadian, and it's in good shape, works, but is missing the headshell. I have always wanted one of these turntables because they are gorgeous, but unsure about the price. The missing headshell does suck as it's unique to the 698, but I'm okay with that.

Knowing that, what's the suggested value? And anything I should worry about? If it has any automatic features that'll be tough to test without the headshell, so does it use a standard one? (I could take the one off my Sony TT if so to test)

Thanks!
 
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I can't speak to the headshell query but there's one on CAM for more than that right now and the last 3 or 4 Empires I've seen in Ontario in the past 2 or 3 years were all $500 ish. I think the price is fair.
 
Ensure the headshell mount is not broken,it is a propriety mount system and not easily repaired and easily broken from overtightening over the years.
 
When I bought my 698 the mount was broken. Couldn't be repaired so I grafted a standard 4 pin head shell mount to the tonearm. Factory 698 headshells show up on eBay from time to time but they are usually expensive.
 
Thanks fellas, I appreciate the help. Exactly the info I was after.

Okay, I think I'm gonna go for it then. I'm taking a look at it tomorrow. Does a standard 4-pin headshell fit in it, given the mount is ok? I'm thinking of bringing along a headshell with a mounted cart so I can test it out.
 
Okay so a slight dilemma. I guess the headshell is proprietary and you cannot use any other headshells with this turntable. That's a major problem :-(

However, is the 698 worth holding out for the proper headshell? I have a turntable I can use for now, so I can wait, but wondering if the 698 is that good, or if I should just grab say a 598 MK III or something like that?
 
The stock 698 headshell has a plastic piece in it that deteriorates and warps, which creates channel drop outs and poor connectivity. Replacements for this part seem to have dried up years ago unless someone is making them on a 3D printer. Nearly every 698 suffers from this malady, if not now, eventually. So, you are looking at a repair that you would probably have to do anyway. The 698 was the only Empire to use this new arm. Other than this problem, it is a good arm and the turntable itself is a gem.
 
Thanks ggregg. I have decided to pass on the 698, as much as I love this style of turntable and as much as I really want one, I don't think the unusual 698 is going to be the one for me. I am going to hold out for a 598 instead.
 
All right I can't seem to make up my mind..

I found a 698 for sale, for $450 CAD, and is from the original owner, includes original documentation, box, packaging, etc. It is in excellent shape. The main issues are: one tab is broken on the tonearm rest, and the electronic cuing does not work. Includes a new anti-skating spring and cuing solenoid.

Seems to me this is a good deal, with the only caveat being the tonearm. If the tonearm is good and the headshell mount is okay, what say you guys? Is this the one?
 
I personally would not hesitate at that price, even with its drawbacks. A great table there for the asking price and its potential rewards. Even with a fixed TA, they can be modified if desired. Heck, the original box, packaging and documentation on any vintage gear these days brings top dollars. Almost to where they equal the value of the gear itself.
 
ZebraBlvd said:
I personally would not hesitate at that price, even with its drawbacks. A great table there for the asking price and its potential rewards. Even with a fixed TA, they can be modified if desired. Heck, the original box, packaging and documentation on any vintage gear these days brings top dollars. Almost to where they equal the value of the gear itself.
Click to expand...

I have to admit I am heavily leaning towards it. It seems I would still get some mileage out of it as is now, and perhaps down the road someone will fabricate a part for it, or maybe modify it.
 
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