Dear George, Maybe I am lucky or just live in a place with very low ambient RFI, but I never had a problem with RF pick-up that was traceable to a phono cartridge. Usually, I would blame unshielded wiring before I would blame a cartridge. Grados are known to give off induced hum, if they come too close to turntable motors. If that is what you really have experienced, I see no reason why the Ortofon would be subject to that phenomenon. The Grados are said to be pretty unique in that respect, along with certain older Decca cartridges.
If you really are picking up RFI, maybe you could stick some tiny pieces of TI Shield to the sides of the cartridge body, at the unavoidable expense of increasing cartridge mass. Don't know whether that has been tried. You can find out a lot about shielding against RFI on the Tweakers Asylum over at AA. |
Lew, neutral as in arm parallel with platter.
When setting azimuth with a mirror I am not referencing to the cartridge body. I use enough magnification to sight a straight line through the diamond and its mirror image. Admittedly it takes a bit of fussing to get the correct line of sight. There are several receding images of the cantilever visible in the depth of mirror. Alligning these images confirms square line of sight. It is helpful to have a linear tonearm with the cartridge facing directly forward... Radio Shack sells a compact magnifier with three lens that can be used individually or combined. |
Hats off to your visual acuity. But still, the inner workings of the cartridge, hidden from direct view inside the body, play a role in selecting optimal azimuth. Perhaps this is much less of an issue with MM/MI types, because the works are partly self-contained with the stylus assembly and are less likely to be askew with respect to the stylus tip. |
Could you explain that further? I had assumed that cross-talk that varies with physical azimuth adjustment was solely a function of misallignment of stylus angle w/r to grooves. |
In an MC cartridge, the stylus tip could be well aligned with the groove walls, but if the coils and magnets inside are not square to each other, I think you still could have an imbalance in cross-talk. This is a real problem, because if it occurs, one has to choose between abnormal wear on the stylus and suboptimal azimuth. I actually had this with my Koetsu; the stylus had to be canted to the left for best crosstalk readings using my Signet Cartridge Analyzer. This bothered me, and I even think there was some added distortion due to tracking errors that resulted from adopting the electrically optimal azimuth. I ended up with a compromise position that put the stylus as square in the groove as possible while giving decent cross-talk numbers in each channel. If I am all wet, please throw me a towel, but that's what I think was happening. |
Thanks, got it. It was also helpful to read V. Khomenko's old AA post (which you participated in) and the second URL below (which in a footnote expresses skepticism about the test method using 1kHz tones.)
http://www.audioasylum.com/audio/vinyl/messages/7/74644.html
http://www.durand-tonearms.com/index.php?p=1_9_Azimuth-talk. |
Lewm- IMO, and IMO only, if the stylus tip and the signal generator components are mis-aligned with respect to each other, then (theoretically) what you have is a defective or worn cartridge. If its new, I would return it unless the compromise is acceptable to you. The actual degree of what I will call "internal" misalignment that is acceptable to you is your own call, based on your hearing and your "persnicketyness" ;~) |
Dear Swampy, Too late. That happened at least 5 years ago, and since I had purchased the cartridge in Tokyo, and since also it was not grossly defective, it never occurred to me to return it. (I am listening to it tonight, in fact. Sounds lovely as ever, ever since I decided to make do with less than the best attainable crosstalk numbers, which are only numbers after all.) I would contend that the situation I described is not at all uncommon for MC cartridges and that most of the time optimizing for azimuth alone will put the stylus tip at a less than perfect angle with respect to the groove walls, unless the cartridge was perfectly put together in the first place. If there is a manufacturer reading this, perhaps you can comment on the accuracy of my statement. I am happy to be corrected. |
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Anyone compare the Ortofon 2M black or a Shure V-15 SAS against some of the recommended vintage models mentioned in this thread.I see alot of raves about these two cartridges.One guy stated that cartridges have improved a lot over the years and the Otofon 2M black is an example.This goes against what I thought we learned from this thread.I never heard the 2M black or the recommended(in this thread)Otofon 20FL.It would be interesting to hear from someone who heard these two cartridges,according to some of the hype I have read the 2M black should be better than the 20FL? |
Travbrow, I've thought about that too (comparison between 2M Black and M20FL), just as I have also thought about comparing modern TOTL MM and MI cartridges from Clearaudio, Grado, and Sound Smith to the vintage ones that are the subject of this thread. Problem is at least for the latter ones that they are rather too expensive to buy just for this purpose. The 2M Black is more affordable, I guess. Also, I've got too much else on my audio plate just to compare the cartridges I already own. |
I have a 2M Black and a V15VxMR SAS (Jico stylus) and they are both splendid carts, as is the third in my current "main" stable, a Soundsmith retipped Denon DL-103. The Shure is the real surprise of the three -- I as amazed at what the Jico SAS stylus did for it, and would put it equal to the 2M Black. Trouble is, I don't have a wide assortment of vintage MM carts to compare with these, but the ones I do have don't sound as good to me as the three noted above. This is via a replinthed Lenco, using three arms, into an Aesthetix Rhea phonostage. |
Thanks Dopogue,Lewm,I have an SAS stylus for my Technics 205CIIL.It sounds good but I can't say it is better than the original Technics stylus.A little cleaner in the highs,but overall I like the sound of the Original stylus.I don't have many hours on the SAS(around 10)maybe it will improve with more hours.My main turntable is also a Lenco with slate plinth,armboard and footers.PTP3 topplate and one of Jeremy's(lencoheaven member)upgraded bearings.Also trying stacked platters.Tonearm is a Technics EPA 500.Phono stage is a World Designs Phono3 with upgraded parts.Audionote 100k loading resistors,Takman resistors,teflon V-Caps and Auricap coupling caps.Heres a list of the MM cartridges I own in the order of my preference.
1.Azden P50VL 2.Signet TK10MLIII 3.Andante P76 4.Technics 205CIIL 5.Technics 205CII 6.205CIIL SAS 7.Empire EDR .9 8.Empire 600LC 9.Shure V-15IV with original stylus.
I also owned a AT ML-170 at one time this was one of the best ones I ever heard,near the Signet TK10.Anyway,just my take on these models.For people who allready own a Shure V-15 the SAS stylus sounds like a real bargain.
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Dear Travbrow, I have my Azden in a Dynavector DV505 on a Lenco/PTP/slate setup like yours. I am using a lightweight headshell, not the stock Dyna one. Can you tell me where you set VTA with the Azden? You apparently like it very much. I am still wavering, altho it got a lot better since I lowered VTA from VERY positive to only a little positive (i.e., pivot end up). Currently I am comparing it to a Koetsu Urushi mounted on my newly resurrected Kenwood L07D. |
Hi Lewm,I have the VTA slightly negative.Even with a level or slightly positive VTA it still sounds good to me.What problems with sound quality are you hearing?Maybe the arm is not a good match for it? |
I agree, "Maybe the arm is not a good match for it?" But there are about a half dozen other possibiities, including that my sample has suffered from the aging process more than most or that my sample is not yet broken in, etc, etc. I still find it a bit "edgy". Much less so lately. Also, the Urushi is the antithesis of "edgy" so perhaps I am contrasting it too much with the Urushi. The Dyna DV505 is a fine tonearm, and I am reluctant to blame it, per se. Before going that far, I might experiment with a different, heavier, headshell. I made a guess that a lightweight headshell (8.5g) would be best for the Azden, assuming high compliance. After 30 years (or whatever), the compliance of that suspension may be far less than it was originally. Ergo a heavier headshell might help. I did not have this kind of problem with the Ortofon M20FL Super or with the Grado TLZ. Of course, in other ways the Azden is superior to those. |
Hi Lewm,my Azden is mounted on a low mass 501H arm unit with fine results.I am not so sure the compliance should change a lot with age.But like others have found,a lot of these high compliance MM cartridges work just fine with a heavier arm.Maybe with more hours it will improve.Good luck with it. |
Aging should most effect the elastomers in the suspension, due to longterm exposure to various atmospheric gaseous contaminants. I would therefore expect that years of storage would have the biggest effect on compliance of all other parameters, unless the magnet were to "die". With use, some of the compliance, if not all, could return. It would be very interesting to measure the compliance of some of these golden oldies, to see if what I say has any merit. |
Dear friends: These headshell wires looks like a good option: http://www.ortofon.com/products/accessories/headshells-cable
Btw, anyone of you already tested?
Regards and enjoy the music, Raul. |
Dear Lewm: Maybe you need to " play " a little with load capacitance in your Azden cartridge.
regards and enjoy the muisc, Raul. |
Raul,
Have seen but not tried these Ortofon leads. However, having tested other silver leads (Van den Hul single strand versus Ikeda litz wires) I think this is definitely the way to go. Litz/multistrand options avoid obvious skin effects and sound far more detailed to my hearing. The only issue might be the connector tags: on the Ikeda these are not only gold plated but made of a high quality conductor. I'm not certain what the Ortofon tags are nor of their related price. |
Dear friends: I just receive the E stylus replacement that can be use it with the Azden P50VL, it is in blue color and seems to me an original replacement.
I only tested by a couple of hours and performs very good if a little " reticent " on the highs, maybe with more hours this can improve. I have to say that I don't made any change on the Azden set up other that the stylus replacement one.
IMHO and for 29.95 this Azden stylus replacement is worth to have.
Regards and enjoy the music, Raul. |
Dear Raul, Why is it worth having, if it is "a little reticent in the highs"? Do you have a contrasting criticism of the line contact stylus on the P50VL that is mitigated by the elliptical stylus? Otherwise, unless one is a collector of MM cartridges and all their variants, why buy it? The benefits are not stated. |
A contrarian comment - Many of you have read, or at least heard of, Jim Smith's "Get Better Sound". That book is full of useful tips based on his years of experience with system set up and I heartily recommend it. If you buy a copy you become eligible to receive his "Quarter Notes", a quarterly update with comments and additional information. But in Vol. 1, Issue #3 there is some advice that runs contrary to Raul's thread.
Jeff Dorgay of TONEAudio contributed a piece called Vinyl 101, tips for those returning to vinyl playback. First, Dorgay barely skims the surface (or should I say scratches?) since he only offers three suggestions. But the first is if your "cartridge is more than five years old, throw it out and start over"!
Now I don't own as many older cartridges as many of you here but I do have some NOS or ones I've owned more than five years and I strongly disagree with Mr. Dorgay. So I wrote to Jim Smith and related my experience and a reference to this thread. I suggested it was irresponsible to recommend throwing out cartridges just because they were built more than five years ago. Jim replied that he generally agreed with Dorgay because of the potential for suspension failures and believes most hobbyists would not be interested in having a cartridge rebuilt (although he agrees that can be a good option if done properly).
My counter is that not all suspensions fail after five years, or ten, or even twenty. In addition to the MM/MI I've been inspired to buy, I have a Shinon MC over ten years old that still sounds very good. Now consider all the cartridges discussed in this thread that were manufactured over ten years ago. Mr. Smith has elsewhere made the point that many audio "opinions" are not necessarily based on real world experiences and I'm afraid in this case he (and more so Mr. Dorgay) is guilty of the same error. |
Dear Lewm: First is that there is no stylus replacement for the 50VL and the E could works like a spare one. Second, what I heard was really good even with less than a hour of playback and even with out any " fine tunning " cartridge set up to this different stylus shape, I even does not check if overhang was/is right.
So, for me, this 29.95 stylus replacement has a potential of very good things to come.
For I can be sure about I need to play with for another 20+ hours and then start with the fine tunning and I don't have the time to do it.
Sorry that I can't be precise for you can " imagine " why is worth this E stylus replacement, my intuition made that I bought it and this same intuition tell me is worth to have it.
Obviously you don't have to do it.
Regards and enjoy the music, Raul. |
Hi Raul, please repost the link to the replacement Azden stylus. The link that you posted points to your c: drive.
After around 75 hours of break-in Azden really got religion. Any perception of treble lift and diffuse LF has resolved into a neutral & concise presentation. It is hard to believe this much break-in is necessary, but I have no other explanation for the improvement. |
Dear Dgarretson: Here it is: http://www.garage-a-records.com/proddetail.php?prod=245de
Regards and enjoy the music, Raul. |
Dear Pryso: Common sense can tell us that ( one way or other ) a vintage cartridge suspension has some kind of " deterioration " that could affect its quality performance.
The fact that our each one experiences with 20-30+ years old cartridges are/were good ones does not means that the cartridge suspension is right on specs. Obviously that that cartridge suspension is in good operation condition and due to our good experiences with almost all these vintage cartridges the over-time suspension-deterioration was not so " critical " to affect the cartridge overall quality performance.
Now, all those vintage cartridges could perform better with a " new " suspension?, could be. Some of the cartridges that I send to " refresh " to VdH the main " refresh " work were with the cartridge suspension and certainly I can hear a quality performance improvement.
Seems to me that those guys ( JS/JD ) in the book really does not have experience with the kind of vintage cartridges many of us already had and that's why they give that " wrong " advise. We have to think too that they are part of the Audio High End Establishment where vintage cartridges are not an active part of the audio busine$$.
Regards and enjoy the music, Raul. |
Dear friends: A few days ago I receive an email from Halcro sharing his great experience with the Empire 1000 Ze/X, his vehemence on the marvelous Empire quality performance makes that I try again this cartridge.
Last time I heard was mounted on the AT-1503-III tonearm with a magnesium headshell and if I remember I give a 9 range level that after heard the Azden I consider the Empire more on the 8 range level that 9 one.
Well, this time is mounted in the Grace G-940 with an aluminum headshell at 1gr. on VTF, no stylus guard, no headshell finger lift, no antiskating, no additional capacitance and 100K on load impedance with a positive VTA/SRA.
What can I say?: a seamless/efortless music presentation where there is no cartridge no audio system but the music, impressive. Better than the Sonus Dimension 5, Azden or the Technics EPC100C? no only different. There are performance areas where the Technics is certainly better and where the Azden and Sonus are better too but overall the Empire is so pleaseant that you forget those differences and only try to enjoy the music. It is really a pleasure to hear this cartridge, you can't really find any serious drawback that can preclude the full enjoyment of music: any kind of music with any kind of recording quality level, this cartridge is an " aristocat " one of a kind. Nine range level ( at the very top, near border 10. ) is where belongs.
The ones of you that own this Empire and that at this moment are not hearing it I urge you to do it.
I hope Halcro could share with all of us his unique Empire experience, worth to hear from him about.
regards and enjoy the music, Raul. |
Halcro or Raul, I have an NOS Empire 1000ZE. As I recall there were several sources for the X stylus assembly. Some of them were reproduction styli. What is the preferred type to buy, if I should choose to upgrade my 1000ZE and from whom should I buy it.
Raul, Sorry for my probing questions (regarding the elliptical stylus for the Azden). I appreciate your research, and I figured you would have a good answer, and so you did. Did you have your Azden P50VL massaged by van den Hul prior to your review of it? |
Lew, Bluz Broz has NOS S1000ZE/X-ERD stylus. I was lucky to score one for far less on eBay, which I will soon fit to a 999 body.
As there is much on other forums about Stanton/Pickering, I thought it would be interesting to compare one to some of the better MI/MM in this thread. My newly acquired Pickering XSV-3000 with NOS D3000 Stereohedron stylus is similar or identical to Stanton 881S. From what I can gather from old reviews & recent posts by a retired Stanton exec, the Stanton/Pickering MM types beginning with 881/XSV-3000 were a step up from earlier MI types such as 681/XV-15. He also mentions that(in the 70s at least) Empire never had the prestige of Stanton/Pickering in the marketplace. We shall see. |
Dave, Yes, I think this whole thread has neglected the top line Stanton/Pickering cartridges. Their best ones had surprisingly low internal resistance and lower than normal voltage output, which would indicate a lower than average internal moving mass (a good thing), I think I saw that eBay add for the XVS3000 but did not bid on it. I would be interested to know what you think of it. |
Dear Lewm: No, my Azden is on stock condition. Maybe in the future I decide to send it to VdH but not now.
Here it is the link on what Dgarretson is refering like a source for a NOS 1000 Ze/X original stylus replacement:
http://www.adelcom.net/EmpireStylus1.htm
Btw, I understand that Halcro bought/find a NOS Empire cartridge, he could give us more precise information about when he decide to join here in the subject.
Regards and enjoy the music, Raul. |
Dear Lewm: Stanton/Pickering had two main models: low and high output, where the low output were its top of the line. In the case of Stanton the 981LZS ( that I own. ) and the XLZ-7500 in the Pickering line.
They had in the same cartridge series ( 981 and 7500 ) models with " normal " output level.
I like my 981LZS ( that needs to be connected to a MC phono stage, needs additional gain. ) but I prefer the 1000 Ze/X one. The Stanton ( low output ) has an advantage over LOMC cartridges and is that is better tracker with less distortions. I don't have yet the opportunity to hear in my system the " regular " 981 or the XSV 5000/7500 by Pickering but seems to me both are very good cartridges that were designed and build with a high quality.
Yes Dgarretson it will be useful what you can report about your experiences with that cartridge.
regards and enjoy the music, Raul. |
re Pickering. Anyone know the difference between the "XSV" and the "XUV" models? Seems as though most of their high end or quadraphonic cartridges were available under either acronym. |
This was the most interesting post I found on my journey to XSV-3000.
http://forums.audioreview.com/showthread.php?t=19899
This is authored by the ex-Stanton exec, who also mentions that the XUV-2500 with 2500Q stylus were inferior first-generation quad offers. For XVS-3000, I ended up going for the D3000S Stereohedron stylus rather than 4500Q Quadrahedron stylus based on comments that the longer fine-line Q version probably sounded no better than the later S fine-line version, and might also increase record wear. There is much praise out there for the 4500Q stylus, and also for the Stanton D81S stylus(which may be the same as D3000S.)
That's all that I ever want to know about it. |
Sorry, that's XUV-2400/2400Q. |
Lewm, Garage a Records has/had NOS genuine Empire S1000ZE/X-ERD styli for $60 each. A pair of them will set you back for less than a single one from BluzBroz, if Garage a Records still has them.
Raul, I'm glad you mentioned the Empire again. Other than an Empire LTD 750 to go along with my 600LAC and 900GT I stopped buying vintage MMs several months ago, as I enjoy the 1000ZE/X too much to take it off of the arm(s)for more than a few minutes...
Jim |
Thanks, Dean. That's a considerable savings vs Bluz Broz, assuming the product is identical. I ordered one. In for a dime, in for many many dimes. |
Well Raul is correct. I managed to 'win' a NOS Empire 1000ZE/X at an EBay auction 5 weeks ago and for 4 weeks have been resisting the urge to 'proclaim' it 'The King' for fear of being premature? Well the time has come as I have over 30 hours on the cartridge and it continues to improve and simply 'blow' me away! Some of you may have seen my 'Ode' to the Garrott P77 cartridge posted more than a year ago http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?ranlg&1244351024 where I 'returned' to my roots and enjoyed once again, the unpretentious and natural air, depth and presentation of the MM/MI in comparison to the MCs I had lived with for the preceding decade. I was careful to note in that review, the attributes of the very best LOMC cartridges which I believed (at that stage), the MM/MI cartridges I had heard could not quite match ie Low bass depth and authority and ultra sensitive response in the upper high frequencies? I even purchased an Ortofon M20FL and the Azden and narrowly missed out snaffling the Technics EPC 100C when 2 of them famously became available! However, with all these MM/MI cartridges, I was happy to switch back regularly to my beloved ZYX Universe on the DaVinci 12" Ref Grandezza to hear the subtle differences in presentation and balance that a really great LOMC cartridge could achieve. Within 2 hours of mounting and playing the Empire 1000ZE/X, my wife came strolling back from the Kitchen into the Living Room, her face and voice aghast. "What have you done? I've never heard it sounding like this. It's like cool water flowing." Now we all know that women are the 'natural' enemies of Hi-Fi in the wild and a slammed door is the usual response in my home, to my daily 'start-up' sessions so this, from my long-suffering spouse, was a first in 32 years! Let me say at the outset....... The Empire 1000ZE/X is not like the Garrott P77, Ortofon M20FL, Nagaoka MP11, Stanton 681EEE or any other MM/MI cartridge I have heard in my system. Nor is like any of the MC cartridges (the Koetsu Urishi, Symphonic Line, Clearaudio Concerto, Clearaudio Insider Gold, Lyra Helikon, Lyra Titan i, ZYX Universe, Dynavectore DV1s) I have heard in my system. The Empire 1000ZE/X, compared to everything else I have ever heard, is simply the closest I've heard to live music in any system I've heard anywhere in the world. Now this hyperbole may be off-putting to many (it even is to me), but it is hard to describe the 'discovery' of this unique and utterly convincing presentation in any other way. If you re-read Raul's description of the Technics cartridge and 'hear' the excitement and enthusiasm spring from the screen, you will know I share his sentiments. It's truly as if for the very first time, I have heard the Master Tape as captured on vinyl, being presented by a cartridge without the colourations or distortions we have all come to accept. When Raul talks about the 'distortions' inherent in MC cartridges, I finally knows what he means and agree with him. But this is all so difficult to communicate because you have no idea what Raul and I are really talking about without hearing it for yourselves. We have been inundated over the years with hyperbole from reviewers, about every part of the audio reproduction chain, that it is easy to forget (in vinyl), the first link in the chain is the cartridge, and if ever I needed to be convinced of the hierarchy in Cartridge, Arm, Turntable, Phonostage, Preamp etc, I now know that Cartridge comes first. So how do I know that the Empire's presentation (which is completely different to that of every other cartridge I've heard) is the correct one? How can 'it' be right and everything else be wrong? It is like an epiphany. When you hear it you simply know. There is no room for doubt. It is like a 'conversion' (although I hate the religious undertones). With the Empire, there are simply no weaknesses. The bass is as deep, as strong, as controlled as any of the very best LOMC cartridges (and possibly even better). The treble is not frail, brittle. 'detailed' or synthetically over-emphasised as it is with many MC cartridges. It is simply as real as live music. And the midrange?......it can't be touched! I wrote a piece a while ago about the value of our 'Test Recordings' for evaluating systems and components http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?eanlg&1236947666&openmine&zzHalcro&4&5#Halcro whereby I suggested that 'great-sounding' records were perhaps not the only analysing tools we should be using and that 'Horror Discs' could provide some valuable insights into a system or component? I urge all of you who own the Neil Young 'Harvest' re-issue on Reprise, to please play the 2 tracks on side 2 (Alabama, Words) with your favourite MC cartridges and the volume turned up. And all of you with the Reiner 'PInes of Rome' (re-issue on Classic Records) for the climactic ending also turned up using your favourite MC cartridge. If you can only tolerate these but can't enjoy them, just imagine if you could?! With the Empire 1000ZE/X, for the first time ever, I finally CAN! And PS.......I can't bring myself to listen to any other cartridge now.....just like Dean_man. Thank you again Raul. Henry |
Dear Dean_man: I know what you mean. Last night I just can't stop hearing/playing LP after LP till 3:00 AM.
Awesome cartridge!!
Regards and enjoy the music, Raul. |
Question to holders of Empire 1000: is the body receptacle for the cantilever barrel square or round? My 999 body takes a square cantilever, I have seen a photo of a 1000 body with a square receptacle, yet the NOS replacement stylus that I purchased has a round barrel. |
Dear Dgarretson: In my cartridge sample is square.
Regards and enjoy the music, Raul. |
on the scale of vintage quality mm cartridges where would my signet tk7e stand? (use on pioneer pl530 dd table w/denon carbon fiber headshell & litz wiring)how about my win strain guage sd10 w/gold transducer box? (used on j.a.michell transcriptor hydraulic reference table w/fluid arm) where can i get when needed a new 9 stylus for the signet? where could i get when needed a retip of my strain guage? is there any update work that is modestly priced and worth doing on my win transducer box? |
Dear Kingmacaw: Here you can find a Signet stylus replacement:
http://www.musonic.co.uk/index.php?main_page=advanced_search_result&search_in_description=1&zenid=rk1hkece1mqlvh0sn8h20u0lr1&keyword=signet
http://www.pickupnaald.nl/index.php?search=signet&x=0&y=0
http://www.adelcom.net/
btw, the 9 stylus can't fit your Signet model.
I think that your Win could be re-tipped by VdH.
Regards and enjoy the music, Raul. |
Dear friends: Due that Garage-a-Records is out of stock on the Empire 1000 ZE/X this other source can help you to find the original stylus replacement at good price ( 15.00 over G-a-R. ) even you can find here what seems to me the E stylus replacement for the Azden at lower price than in G-a-R ( the number is the 5599 in blue color. ):
http://www.needledepot.com/stereo_needle/brand/EMPIRE.html
Regards and enjoy the music, Raul. |
Dgarretson,
The 999XE/X and some models that begin with 1000 take a 239 stylus with a square cantilever "sheath," like this one: http://www.turntableneedles.com/Needle-239-PDE_p_989.html
The 1000ZE/X takes a 236 stylus with a round cantilever "sheath," like this one: http://www.turntableneedles.com/Needle-236-ZDE_p_976.html
Earlier in the thread a person/manufacturer posted photos of his 1000ZE/X styli (in his system here on a'gon)(one stylus with a thicker cantilever, one with a whisker-thin one). I distinctly remember that they are of the 236 variety, with the round sheaths.
The three styli I purchased NOS are all of the 236 number, specifically Empire S1000ZE/X-ERD. Fwiw each one has the "whisker-thin" version of the cantilever.
It sounds like your 999 is a completely different critter from my 1000ZE/X?
Jim |
Dear Jim,
From your post it looks like I need to find a 1000Z/EX body to fit what is evidently my spare 236 round-sheathed stylus with "wisker-thin" cantilever. One finds 1000 bodies with the square sheath of my 999X/EX body like the following body with a square sheath:
http://cgi.ebay.com/EMPIRE-1000-SE-X-STEREO-CARTRIDGE-EXCEPTIONAL-NO-NEEDLE_W0QQitemZ290422552900QQcmdZViewItemQQptZVintage_Electronics_R2?hash=item439e887944
Tonight I am running in the 999X/EX with a (possibly NOS) square-sheathed cantilever from Bluz Broz box marked S999XE/X...(whew!) At first listen this 999 is very convincing, with a bit more presence though not quite the precision of the previously mounted top Azden. |
Dave, I've noticed Empire bodies like the one in your link and it makes me wish there was more information on the 'net about them, because after an embarrassing amount of time looking I can find precious little. It's great that you're liking your 999X/EX with the S999XE/X stylus (whew!), though. If it's like my old Empires it may have been sitting in a drawer for a couple of decades at least and may need 50+ hours to get its groove on again so to speak :) Additional 1000ZE/X examples are bound to show up on that auction site, I bought my current one in an auction for a headshell; the listing didn't even identify what the cartridge was but I certainly recognized it!
Jim |
Dave, At least you got a good deal on your 1000ZE/X stylus, and I am sure you can find a used body for it. It will work on the 1000ZE body for sure; that's what I bought originally. Seems like I bought one of the last of Garage a Records X type styli, so now the price will jump to that of Turntable Needles'; still a bargain. Raul, are you sure yours has a square male piece that mates with a square female receptacle on your 1000 body? That would be an oddity. |