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empire 980 arm mistracks with various cartridges

Hi I have Empire 598 with 980 arm that mistracks with all cartridges used. All carts function fine in other turntables.
No matter how heavy I set up the VTF going way over limit of the cartridge specified it will still mistrack and would not output anything bellow 160Hz. So all bottom end is completely sliced away. When I tap on the plinth, bass comes back for the flash moment.
So far connected ADC Series II, Pickering XV15, Shelter 501 with no success. What may cause such brutal mistracking and lack of resolution?
czarivey

Showing 5 responses by atmasphere

atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
12,100 posts
 
Have you adjusted the arm height? That can play a significant role in the bass playback.

Also, the plinths on the original Empires are pretty well a joke. They resonate quite a lot. Also, the bearings in the 980 are quite fragile and they may not be functioning as designed.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
12,100 posts
 
If adjusting arm height has no effect on the bass the arm is having a severe problem!

The bearings don't go out of adjustment, unless someone messes with them. They fail. Over-tightening the bearings is a simple way to damage them. They are supposed to be ever so slightly loose. They are not packed with grease- they don't need it.

.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
12,100 posts
 
A Grado might suit nicely. I can't imagine the suspension of the cantilever is any good after so many decades.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
12,100 posts
 
Suspensions tend to perish over time so they can look fine but not sound right.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
12,100 posts
 
The sound isn't worth it either.
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