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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 7 responses by czarivey

czarivey OP
5,946 posts
 
Hi Ralph, I've tried ALL heights possible and they all sound same. My empire has suspension plinth and is one of the decent ones. I'm thinking about fitting different arm do you have anything in mind for the tight budget?
czarivey OP
5,946 posts
 
I think that arm-tube bearings at least one is loose -- the one opposite to VTF dial adjust. Any options to pack it with some light grease?
I'll appreciate responses!
czarivey OP
5,946 posts
 
The bearing is extremely loose, but not slightly. Main bearing too. There's not much of a friction issue, but lots of tracking errors.
I'll be replacing this tonearm with rec-o-cut s990 that will fit with no modification or suspension elimination.
THANKS for everyone's input.
czarivey OP
5,946 posts
 
I finally came up with great arm AudioTechnica 1005 that landed onto the suspension spider just like the original one.
The smallish disadvantage that there's no arm lift(may acquire and mount externally and absence of magnet to pull up at the end of the dead wax.
Cartridge being used is Pickering XV15 with D750 styli. I think this table may deserve better cartridge, but so far sounds fantastic. Can any recommend MM cartridge $150ish ballpark?
THANKS for input!
czarivey OP
5,946 posts
 
Thanks Ralph,
I may try to look at Grado models at needledoctor, but probably will also try to slide a new needle onto XV15 cartridge that may be worth trying. Suspension of the cantilever truly not in the best shape, but visually unmounted looks perfect.
czarivey OP
5,946 posts
 
Doug,
I however see that clearance between replacable needle chassis and playable surface is too low when landed with no scanning electron microscope or any optical devices in my eyes. It's not I believe because of 1g of currently applied VTF is too heavy...
The cartridge itself however sounds very clean, but will definitely hick-up or touch vinyl surface with replacable needle chassis if vinyl has humps or warps
czarivey OP
5,946 posts
 
I totally agree and mentioned that I'm shopping for new needle(will still use that cartridge as a backup. super great for money indeed) and better MM cartridge. Budget Ortofon 2m series attract me the most for now.
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