Empire Turntables New in Box-Worth Anything?

carl_e_miller@sbcglobal.net...Application of VTF by a spring was one of the BEST features! It meant that the arm was not unbalanced, and so was quite insensitive to vibration. (Will two audiophiles ever agree?)

Eldartford, I would have to agree with you about spring loading. I bet you never thought you would hear that. After abandoning a Garrard 301 in the '70s, I am back with one again. I have an adaptator of the old Ortofon 12" arm which use spring loading.

Since I have never heard such good vinyl sound, I would have to partially attribute it to the spring loading. I did have friends with Empire turntables in the 70s, however, and must say I was never tempted to buy one.

I am interested in an Empire 598 that is being sold by audio junkie that builds his own amps and speakers. He is going through it to make sure that it is working properly. What concerns do I have to be aware of and what would be a good asking price?

Thanks for your help.

The two main things to watch out for are availability of drive belts and a poor condition phono cable. The phono cable mates to the arm with a funky and unique connector I was never able to find anywhere else. If that craps out, I think you'd have to directly connect the tone arm harness to a cable. Belts are also hard to find. I was able to find a couple of them in a small stereo repair stores old inventory. Oh yeah, another thing. Make sure the headshell cartridge mounting plate is there and in good shape.

I would take a 208 (or 398 and throw away the arm). It is a basic belt-drive TT with an excellent bearing, platter and motor. Belts can always be obtained or made.

Get two and I will make sure OUR TTs are tiptop. ;-)

Kal