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Help identifying Empire turntable.

Shockmaster

Shockmaster

Active Member
Local seller is selling an empire turntable near me. From what I can see they seem like really great tables. He’s asking $300 and from what I can see, they can get very high in price. He said it’s missing the dust cover but everything else works great. I also see models range from $400 - $3500 used value. Can anyone identify the model from this photo? they all look very similar, but maybe the tone arm can help identify the model. Thanks so much. Sorry about the one photo. That’s all the seller said he has. He’s about an hour and half drive from me so I just want rice make sure it’s worth the trip and money.
 

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I think it’s a 398. 980tone arm. Missing dust cover... I wouldn’t pay 3 bills for it. But after restoration, they are terrific.
 
Go see what cart is mounted though, if it’s a giant, then buy it. ( Fairchild, Early ADC, etc...)
 
biscuithead said:
I think it’s a 398. 980tone arm. Missing dust cover... I wouldn’t pay 3 bills for it. But after restoration, they are terrific.
Click to expand...
I see. He says his grandfather is the first owner and he passed away recently and acquired it. He said it seems to work perfectly. What type of restoration could be needed?
 
biscuithead said:
I think it’s a 398. 980tone arm. Missing dust cover... I wouldn’t pay 3 bills for it. But after restoration, they are terrific.
Click to expand...
He said he will be home in an hour and he can tell me what cartridge is mounted. I don’t know a whole lot about older carts so maybe if you’re on here in an hour I’ll tell you what he has and you can tell me if I should speed down there.
 
Shockmaster said:
I see. He says his grandfather is the first owner and he passed away recently and acquired it. He said it seems to work perfectly. What type of restoration could be needed?
Click to expand...
New motor mounts, new motor bearings, new oil in motor bearings, new belt. Check the Dynalift mechanism on the tonearm also.

The M91ed is a great cart, just not in the league of the old giants that could have come with this.

If you like the looks, and if it passes audio, and you like the way it sounds, buy it. You can always restore it later.
 
I would add to biscuithead's list: a couple n-buna O-rings around the inner platter recess to eliminate ringing. And bitumen damping material under the top plate. These are great turntables.
This is what it could become:
DSC_3223.JPG
or this:
DSC_3630.JPG
 
That's funny! Just picked up this turntable tonight and was about ready to ask for some recommendations when I stumbled on this thread and saw the photo from the OP. It will need a little work. It was mounted to a custom base/drawer to slide in and out of a slot in a console. Unfortunately the custom base, while well made, is constructed of pine. It will work for now, but a new plinth or tracking down an original base will be in order eventually, as well as new belt, motor mounts, and replacing/reconditioning motor bearings. It's got a few scratches to the top, but overall very clean. The platter and motor are smooth and silent. Can't wait to get a new belt/mount in and see how it sounds.
 
C_Little said:
That's funny! Just picked up this turntable tonight and was about ready to ask for some recommendations when I stumbled on this thread and saw the photo from the OP. It will need a little work. It was mounted to a custom base/drawer to slide in and out of a slot in a console. Unfortunately the custom base, while well made, is constructed of pine. It will work for now, but a new plinth or tracking down an original base will be in order eventually, as well as new belt, motor mounts, and replacing/reconditioning motor bearings. It's got a few scratches to the top, but overall very clean. The platter and motor are smooth and silent. Can't wait to get a new belt/mount in and see how it sounds.
Click to expand...
I have an original Empire plinth that you can have for the price of shipping. Decent condition.
 
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