Empire 208 turntable


Is this a worthwhile investment at $500? belt is new as is cart. Tonearm in fine condition although I've read it's best change it. Mechanically in excellent shape. Cosmetically fine. Just wondering wondering what the concensus is about this table.
calbrs03
IMO the 208 is the one to mess with because you can put a modern arm on it. We did so much tweaking to it we finally even made a new plinth for it

http://www.atma-sphere.com/products/208.html

If you want a simple effective tweak, get rid of the 45 rpm adapter and get the lip milled down. Then install a modern platter pad on it. Finally, there is a concentric well on the bottom of the platter that can be filled with various damping compounds. You will hear an immediate improvement!
Those tweaks are effective. Another is to replace the plinth with something that ain't a gong or, at least, use more of the damping compounds on its underside.

Also, remove the motor cover when using the TT.

Kal
Interesting. So it rings, does it. I've ways of taking care of that. Plinth could be a major endeavor, but perhaps there's a median between damping and a different arm. I thought it was a really good find, and it's just down the street from me. Thanks for your help.
There are quite a few guys at Audiocircle that have modded their Empire TTs. Check the archives.
Herbie has a mat for the 208 and you don't have to mess around with the 45rpm adapter area. Heard no difference lifting the motor cover.