• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

The Empire 990 tonearm.......what were they thinking?

WaynerN

WaynerN

Addicted Member
Any of you that own the arm or a 598 series table must realize that the arm specifications are skewed from actual. The spindle to pivot distance is 8.25" (209.55mm), which makes a 5/8 overhang not possible with the stated spec of 9.00" from pivot to stylus. And because this relationship is skewed, so is the published offset angle of 23.8°.

I have run the numbers with Conrad's nifty calculator and none of the numbers work out for a Stevenson, Lofgren A (Baerwald) or Lofgren B.

That said, today being a really nice rainy and windy day, I installed my Shure M95HE cartridge fitted with a JICO SAS stylus and used Empire's alignment technique (install on removable plate square to the plate, align stylus with edge of mounting plate). It is tracking at 1.3 grams.148.JPG

149.JPG

I put some Beck - Morning Phase on and can report that the arm/table/cartridge and alignment (what ever that might be) are very, very happy together!

I bought this Empire from Illinois Audio when I was around 18-19 years old. It still works and is in near mint condition with some very minor mods (back panel).

Nice bass line, very open in presentation, vocals are outstanding (so far) and image is to die for.

What can I say.....

'ner
 
Register to hide this ad
I have the 698, which I've yet to play with. i was unaware there was an issue with aligning cartridge. Could you provide some more details as to the process of setting up a cartridge on this tonearm?
 
ctjetta said:
I have the 698, which I've yet to play with. i was unaware there was an issue with aligning cartridge. Could you provide some more details as to the process of setting up a cartridge on this tonearm?
Click to expand...

I have used the usual protractor (I like the Lofgren B alignment), but its a bitch to adjust the cartridge's offset angle due to the fact that its mounted to a plate that has no assess from the top. Today I was lazy so I did it the easy way.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom