Stylus for Empire 999 improved e/x Cartridge

[BenzoRocco]

I have been handed down my fathers pioneer pl-112d with a Empire 999 improved e/x Cartridge ( Square stylus input) without a stylus and I’m have a very hard time finding the correct one do to all the stylus I have found that they say go with the empire 999 have a round shaft which the Empire 999 excepts a square shaft

I have hit a speed bump please help

 

[bang4buck]

One of Empire's many bizarre marketing decisions. I think they used "999" for at least three different generations of cartridges. Yours is the later style affectionately known as a blob on a clip. Slim pickings for styli these days. One trusted source is The Voice of Music aka TVOM or simply Gary.

https://www.thevoiceofmusic.com/catalog/part_detail.asp?PNumberBase=239&SearchType=MfgNameNeedles&MfgName=Audio+Empire+&+Empire&Categories=

The website looks terribly dated and is best used on a PC rather than a phone, but it's legit and Gary really knows his stuff and keeps it up to date.

We have a mammoth thread about Empire cartridges here, too. All holding our breath wondering which we'll hit first, 10 years or 500 pages

https://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/anyone-else-running-vintage-empire-carts.468129/

 

[OBMG74]

I went through this with an Empire 999TE/X which has a round shaft. (unlike yours)

The problem I encountered after several unsuccessful purchases and returns was that the shaft on the new stylus was too short to reach the magnets in the cartridge.

Something to be aware of. (I finally gave up and replaced the cartridge).

Others here on AK can better advise you on what cartridge to buy if that ends up being the case.

 

[BenzoRocco]

I did come across supposedly the correct stylus from lptunes that I was going to try

https://lptunes.com/products/stylus-for-empire-999e-x-improved-cartridge

but they do not give that much information (measurements) so I could confirm fitment so I guess it’s either cross my fingers or change the cartridge

with that said what are my best cartridge options for this particular turn table? I’m somewhat new to vinyl and currently have a technicssl-b200 as my main rig but may switch to the pl-112d if it sounds any better

 

[Hajidub]

I did come across supposedly the correct stylus from lptunes that I was going to try

https://lptunes.com/products/stylus-for-empire-999e-x-improved-cartridge

but they do not give that much information (measurements) so I could confirm fitment so I guess it’s either cross my fingers or change the cartridge

with that said what are my best cartridge options for this particular turn table? I’m somewhat new to vinyl and currently have a technicssl-b200 as my main rig but may switch to the pl-112d if it sounds any better

The cart is quality. Try the LPTunes replacement, be aware many users here have had issues with the site (shipping delays), though I've never experienced issues.

 

[Bicyclist]

One of Empire's many bizarre marketing decisions. I think they used "999" for at least three different generations of cartridges. Yours is the later style affectionately known as a blob on a clip. Slim pickings for styli these days. One trusted source is The Voice of Music aka TVOM or simply Gary.

https://www.thevoiceofmusic.com/catalog/part_detail.asp?PNumberBase=239&SearchType=MfgNameNeedles&MfgName=Audio+Empire+&+Empire&Categories=

The website looks terribly dated and is best used on a PC rather than a phone, but it's legit and Gary really knows his stuff and keeps it up to date.

We have a mammoth thread about Empire cartridges here, too. All holding our breath wondering which we'll hit first, 10 years or 500 pages

https://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/anyone-else-running-vintage-empire-carts.468129/

I second the motion. Gary is a terrific resource.

 

[BenzoRocco]

I thank you both and will go forward with the lptunes replacement and once received will update outcome

 

[MisterDK]

In case you’re wondering this is what the original stylus looked like. It’ll take the same stylus as the 66QE/X but the QE/X was a purple grip. The body on this one measures 520 Ohms per channel.

 

[BenzoRocco]

In case you’re wondering this is what the original stylus looked like. It’ll take the same stylus as the 66QE/X but the QE/X was a purple grip. The body on this one measures 520 Ohms per channel.

Thanks for the pics & info , I ordered up the replacement from LPTunes and has been shipped out today , fingers crossed

 

[JohnT123]

Now that you're in the club, I'd suggest you check out the 2 large Empire threads. Waulta and the gang can tell you everything you wanted to know about all things Empire.

 

[BenzoRocco]

Now that you're in the club, I'd suggest you check out the 2 large Empire threads. Waulta and the gang can tell you everything you wanted to know about all things Empire.

Thanks John I will reach out as soon as I get my TT back up and running

 

[BenzoRocco]

Well I received the replacement stylus from LPTunes and installed and did my best to adjust arm without gauge and we have audio!! But my only question is if I increase volume I hear a very slight hum in the background, so to file out TT I hooked up my SL-b200 (grado cartridge and Stylus ) and no hum and to be honest I prefer the sound of the sl-b200 but shouldn’t it sound better out of the pl-112d with empire cartridge??

 

[JohnT123]

IS the hum from the cart or the table?

 

[BenzoRocco]

IS the hum from the cart or the table?

Well the more I look into it I’m thinking it might be feedback from my Sub or other speakers since it only happens when I increase the volume to my listening leaves which is loud

The 112d has a spring suspension which my need looking into since I was informed that my parents stacked stuff on top of TT which cracked dust cover and pressed in one of the bottom feet which when TT is level one foot is not touching so that needs attention as well

My plane is to get the TT nice and stable & adjust suspension then take another crack at where this hum noise is coming from unless I should take a different approach

*as you can see in picture ,the foot is not touching ( I just placed TT on top of receiver just for photo)

 

[ig88]

A subwoofer would definitely do it , though some turntable and headshell combos do it . If the metal mount on the cartridge is directly contacting the headshell , most came with a little black adaptor that went over the cartridge clip . Never had a problem with my tables , some guy sent me a note with a 2000 E/lll , about hum , headshell contact .

 

[Hajidub]

Well I received the replacement stylus from LPTunes and installed and did my best to adjust arm without gauge and we have audio!! But my only question is if I increase volume I hear a very slight hum in the background, so to file out TT I hooked up my SL-b200 (grado cartridge and Stylus ) and no hum and to be honest I prefer the sound of the sl-b200 but shouldn’t it sound better out of the pl-112d with empire cartridge??

Sounds like maybe LPTunes has responded to the bad shipping practices posted (great news). First you need to download a free, printable protractor and possibly purchase a proper VTF gauge. After that it sounds like you're getting feedback onto the TT from your speakers, usually a result of bass (which matches your louder volume complaints), also make sure the stylus is fully attached.

 

[BenzoRocco]

A subwoofer would definitely do it , though some turntable and headshell combos do it . If the metal mount on the cartridge is directly contacting the headshell , most came with a little black adaptor that went over the cartridge clip . Never had a problem with my tables , some guy sent me a note with a 2000 E/lll , about hum , headshell contact .

Ig88 , I don’t see any type of Barrier between headshell and cartridge or do I need to disassemble to confirm?

 

[ig88]

Doesn't look like any , no nylon washers .If you have any nylon washers ,it would be worth putting a couple between the cartridge and headshell.see if it takes care of the problem.

 

[BenzoRocco]

Doesn't look like any , no nylon washers .If you have any nylon washers ,it would be worth putting a couple between the cartridge and headshell.see if it takes care of the problem.

I will give that a try

Thanks

 

[BenzoRocco]

I will give that a try

Thanks

I will give that a try

Thanks

looks like the Teflon washers are on the wrong side