2. analog
  3. 1281538761

Easy tonearm replacement for Empire 598?

Apparently some audio enthusiasts feel the stock 990 tonearm is too heavy and destructive to vinyl.

I am restoring my 598 and will be getting around to rewiring the tonearm soon but if there is a better alternative that does not require new drilling or machining (or if its minor)I'm open.

Somebody suggested an SME tonearm to me- but didn't give me a model number or anything.

Any experience out there?
vandalfsens
mrderrick
292 posts
 
I'm in the process of mounting a Jelco 750 to my 398. Send me an email and I'll forward some pics to you.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,793 posts
 
I have an AR (Jelco made) arm on a 598. You are limited in arm choices since the arm has to work in the mount provided- unless you resort to some clever machining. Good Luck!
hdm
1,062 posts
 
Nothing wrong with the Empire arm if it is in good condition; just needs the right low compliance cartridge.

The Denon 103/103R is the perfect match for that arm. The hotrodded versions of those cartridges can compete with the very best.

Might be worth going down that road.
photon46
1,082 posts
 
I wouldn't worry about a 598 arm in good condition being destructive to your vinyl. I bought a 598 new many years ago and used it for probably at least 15 years. I've upgraded turntables twice since owning the 598 and I've never detected any audible degradation in the vinyl I played on it. This weekend I listened to a number of albums from the late seventies that I played ad nauseum on the Empire and was struck at how great they still sound.
More to discover