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empire 980 arm mistracks with various cartridges

Hi I have Empire 598 with 980 arm that mistracks with all cartridges used. All carts function fine in other turntables.
No matter how heavy I set up the VTF going way over limit of the cartridge specified it will still mistrack and would not output anything bellow 160Hz. So all bottom end is completely sliced away. When I tap on the plinth, bass comes back for the flash moment.
So far connected ADC Series II, Pickering XV15, Shelter 501 with no success. What may cause such brutal mistracking and lack of resolution?
czarivey
czarivey OP
5,946 posts
 
Hi Ralph, I've tried ALL heights possible and they all sound same. My empire has suspension plinth and is one of the decent ones. I'm thinking about fitting different arm do you have anything in mind for the tight budget?
czarivey OP
5,946 posts
 
I think that arm-tube bearings at least one is loose -- the one opposite to VTF dial adjust. Any options to pack it with some light grease?
I'll appreciate responses!
storyboy
80 posts
 
It's probably your bearings. Carefully place a 1/2 inch square of plain paper on the tonearm gently while it's floating at zero grams - if it does not move, you have too much friction.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,861 posts
 
If adjusting arm height has no effect on the bass the arm is having a severe problem!

The bearings don't go out of adjustment, unless someone messes with them. They fail. Over-tightening the bearings is a simple way to damage them. They are supposed to be ever so slightly loose. They are not packed with grease- they don't need it.

.
czarivey OP
5,946 posts
 
The bearing is extremely loose, but not slightly. Main bearing too. There's not much of a friction issue, but lots of tracking errors.
I'll be replacing this tonearm with rec-o-cut s990 that will fit with no modification or suspension elimination.
THANKS for everyone's input.
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