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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
 
Thanks Ralph,
I may try to look at Grado models at needledoctor, but probably will also try to slide a new needle onto XV15 cartridge that may be worth trying. Suspension of the cantilever truly not in the best shape, but visually unmounted looks perfect.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
12,082 posts
 
Suspensions tend to perish over time so they can look fine but not sound right.
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
Unless you have scanning electron microscopes for eyes, you can't see the deterioration of the elastomers used in cartridge suspensions.

You may see the result if the cartridge bottoms out. Long before that, however, you'll hear the loss of elasticity in blah dynamics and boring sound.
czarivey OP
5,946 posts
 
Doug,
I however see that clearance between replacable needle chassis and playable surface is too low when landed with no scanning electron microscope or any optical devices in my eyes. It's not I believe because of 1g of currently applied VTF is too heavy...
The cartridge itself however sounds very clean, but will definitely hick-up or touch vinyl surface with replacable needle chassis if vinyl has humps or warps
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
Replace the stylus assembly. From your description it's worn out.

Even if you're okay with the sound, the risk of damage to your records from a cartridge that bottoms out and bounces the stylus around in the groove is not worth taking... IMO of course.
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