Hi all!
Thanks for all this information.
I have an Empire 2000e, and 1000ze/x cartridges (unfortunately this last has some malfunction that causes loud pops...), and I really like how they sounds.
I have tried to find a new 1000ze/x, but it's difficult to find one here in Spain, even in Europe.
So, meanwhile I've found an Empire 999/x cartridge, from which I have found very little info.
¿What can I expect from it? ¿Should be close to the 1000ze/x? And more important, which stylus do you recommend me for this cartridge?
Thanks a lot!
First off. you are welcome to ask these questions here on this thread as the inductance/resistance dictates which stylus is voiced for the particular cart you have. But in reality, if you can get your hands on an original nos Empire stylus and it will fit your cart, it will provide some excellent results.
It may be brighter or have more sparkle in the hf if you use a lower inductance cart with a stylus designed for a higher inductance cart like using a 66 body w a 2000e stylus; or vice versa going the other way around.
In my experience, it is a moot point because the original Empire styli work best with the Empire Carts versus the aftermarket ones.
I have found out the aftermarket stylite tend to be a bit more forward in the mid range. I think it’s harder to find an aftermarket that is voice like the old Empire were. It also depends heavily upon your. Set up, what phono preamp you use, what amp and preamp you use, what speakers you use etc.
When I posted up this thread, I was really into Empire carts because they were voiced really well and didn’t seem to have the thin sounding response I was getting from some other brands. But it turns out that a lot of what I heard from other brands was due to aftermarket skylight being used and not so much the cart design itself. It turns out that real Empire styli, made prior to when they closed down, sound better that most aftermarket styli. Yes, matching the inductance is best for the particular stylus/carr combo but genuine Empire work very well w Empire carts even if the inductance is a little higher or lower than what it was originally intended for. Try and find any Empire stylus that will fit your particular cart or whatever you can modify to fit as long as it is original Empire. There are some aftermarket options that sound okay but I haven’t found one that is as good as the original Empire stylus.
I have been upgrading my system for so long now that I am far removed from using any mm or mi carts and have been using mc for the past 4-5 years almost exclusively. Actually have been downsizing my collection of carts & styli as I no longer have the need. Anyone who might be in need of something should DM me. I may be able to help out or know of someone that can assist you.
With the exception of a few special model carts, Empire seemed to offer 2 different types of carts, low inductance models or high inductance models. They voiced their styli accordingly. And unfortunately, Empire marketed their carts with a huge variety of model numbers even though they really had just the two basic models along with some special models like the 2000z or BC-1.
Hence why this thread was started so we could all reference the 8 thousand models empire sold to match w the appropriate stylus for the voicing. It doesn’t matter if the model number on the cart says “2000e/iii” if it measures 298 mH , then a 66 stylus will sound proper.
