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Empire 498

Hi all - I have an Empire 498 turntable I inherited from my grandfather years ago that has been collecting dust in my crawlspace...I've been all digital with no analog for years.

Cleaned out the crawlspace for some home repair and came across it.

It's in great shape, if dusty, and I'm curious as to whether this is they type of turntable to begin collecting vinyl around or if I should just put it up for sale.

I have no clue what to ask for, and thought I'd begin my research with you guys. I read an article online about Empire turntables, and it appears the 498 is the 'rare' model of the bunch, but I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing! :)

Anyway, any knowledge you may have about these turntables would be appreciated. It has sentimental value, but if it's worth a few bucks, I may sell it, particularly since I don't own one LP.

Thanks,

- Dan
dklap
kbuzz
214 posts
 
Ralph -thank you for your post. I have a 598 i am fooling around with. I may have to call upon your service when the some of the issues get too complicated.

Probably makes more sense to consider obtain and perform work on a 208 given the easier arm replacement, but -- heresey to the audio elite --I love the dyn-alift!

Another audio elite heresay, but I also think looking at a 598, if the metal and bulbs are in condition
podeschi
303 posts
 
FYI I bought a modded Empire 208 from Ralph with TriPlanar arm. His restoration and modifications are incredible.
manitunc
795 posts
 
I am about to start restoring an Empire 498. does anyone know what arms are a drop in geometry wise? I already have a restored 208 with solid aluminium plinth and SMEIV arm that is exceptional, so I am trying to get comparable sound out of a suspension Empire.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,651 posts
 
The newer AR arm from when AR came back about 20 years ago is pretty close, but you have put your finger on why we don't mess with the suspension models. Its tricky to find an arm that works with the geometry. Once you have done that, mounting it can be a challenge too.
manitunc
795 posts
 
Anything that you know of of more recent vintage. I believe the original Empire arm has an effective length of 228.5mm so is there any reason an arm of similar effective length would not work?
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