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Using an Empire 1000 ZE/X

I have bought a NOS stylus and Empire 1000 ZE/X and tried it on my three arms (Ikeda IT-407; Morch DP6 red point; Audiocraft AC-3300). It performs best on the Morch but still lacks the definition and drama afforded by my standard-bearing Nagaoka MP-50 cartridge.

Can anyone advise how I might get better performance from this former top of the range Empire? I would particularly appreciate any advice from actual owners (few as they seem to be) on the perfect set up - including tonearm, SRA, VTF etc.

I really hope to get firmer imaging and presence nearer to that offered through my Nagaoka. The Empire's midrange is phenomenal as is its staging but imaging and dramatic contrast need help.

Thanks in advance (and hope)

Dgob

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dgob

Showing 3 responses by dgob

dgob OP
848 posts
 
Dean-man,

Many thanks for your response. I have a widget from an Empire 999XE/X that I also bought recently. However, I'm not sure if this fits on the 1000ZE/X, which has a plastic frame attached with mounting holes. The 999 XE/X has no frame and so needs that clip on one. I am not certain if that is the widget that you mean or if it is something else.

Can you go into a little more detail?

Cheers

Dgob

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dgob OP
848 posts
 
Thanks Jim,

Let me know if and when you do try it. I'll need some time to really play and audition the changes anyway and so can wait until inclination and circumstance allow you the chance to try it out.

I've already got the Vinyl Engine download but am not certain if its the same one as you've got. Does the one that you're referring to have a speaker and tonearm details on the same document. If it is, I cannot understand the purpose of the plate other than as a quite mounting method.

Cheers
dgob OP
848 posts
 
Texray,

Many thanks for your kind feedback. However, I have already exchanged my 1000 ZE/X with another Agoner for his Audio Technica AT20 SLa. I was unsatisfied with the 1000 ZE/X but that might have been due to system dependency or faults with the actual cartridge, which I bought in "used" condition.

I'm now listening to the Glanz G5 as my top MI cartridge and things have moved on in the MM/MI world for me. I note most of the developments on my Sytem ('Essential System') page here on Audiogon, if you have time to take a look.

The Glanz shares features with the Astatic MF100 but exceeds its performance on several fronts, I believe. For stellar treble response, you could do worse than the Glanz, Nagaoka MP50, B&O MMC2, Ortofon M20 FL Super or Andante P76. I have not knowlingly listened to the Pickering and so I will keep an eye/hear out for one in the future. Have you tried any of the above cartridges and, if so, what is your view on their performance?
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