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Empire TT cartridge recs?

JeffCov

JeffCov

Active Member
I just picked up an Empire TT at an estate sale this past Friday. I don't know much about it. After a little resaerch, I believe that it is an Empire 598. It does need a new belt (the one on it has stretched and is real loose) and a new cartridge/stylus. In another thread (flea-market finds) someone said that their experience with the cartridge that it came with (Empire 1000 ZE/X) was probably not worth trying to repair it and I might be better off with another cart altogether. I have a few carts around here that are in good shape and could be used on the Empire. Does anyone have any experience with these on an Empire or any recs/ideas about them?
-Shure M97Xe
-Grado Black
-Ortofon OM 5E

Any one have idea or thoughts about these carts on an Empire TT?
 
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Your TT comes in two models which appear to be similar, the MK II and the MK III, both with the 990 tonearm mounted as original equipment.

The fitted cart, the 1000 ZE/X is an excellent cartridge and it would be worth your while to find a replacement stylus for this cart.

Depending of the weight or your arm, the 990, the weight of the cartridge, and its dynamic compliance, some carts will fit your table.
I left you some posts, and it appear that the Grado and the Ortofon should fit, and there is also a good possibility that the Shure will also be a match.
But you should consider those tables as a guideline only.

It's preferable to ave somebody that already tried these combinations with the same equipment.

Also, read the sticky by "empirelvr" excellent info on this TT

http://www.vinylengine.com/library/empire/990.shtml


http://www.vinylengine.com/library/empire/1000-ze/x.shtml


http://www.vinylengine.com/cartridg...hp?m=Empire+1000ZE/X&cm=7&dc=20&search=search

http://www.vinylengine.com/cartridg...ado+Prestige Black&cm=5.5&dc=20&search=search

http://www.vinylengine.com/cartridg....php?m=Ortofon+OM 5E&cm=5&dc=20&search=search

http://www.vinylengine.com/cartridg...chi=&stid=&masslo=&masshi=&notes=&prlo=&prhi=
 
Some of those Empire carts are entirely decent. I don't know their lineup at all, but I have an Empire Rex 66/E on something and rather like it's performance. I like it enough that I'd be willing to try some of their other offerings at least.
 
I have an Empire 598 II. The arm is pretty massive and the Shures are probably happier with a lower mass arm. I would buy a new stylus for the Empire cartridge first and see if you like it.
 
NOS styli for the 1000ZE/X are still available for less than $50 shipped.
 
After doing more reading on it, I think I will get a replacement stylus and check it out! Thanks!
 
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