Howdy. I was looking for a TT for some records I have stored, and behold what I find in Goodwill thrift store for about $7 USD last week:http://www.linaeum.com/images/empire598/index.html
It has a few minor scratches, that should be easy to fix on the base. The dust cover has some considerable damage. I may fix that, but I don't like the ugly(IMO) 70's style wood framed dust cover. I have requested some estimates for custom made all-acrylic covers from various places(I await the numbers). In that case, I'de just remove the backplate and make a hinge device to attach to the all-acrylic cover.
Ok -- now for the cartridge. This TT has an Empire 2000Z cart on it, but the stylus is shot. Considering the probable age of this cart(I'm guessing REALLY old), it is probaby prudent to just replace the cart instead of just the stylus. What is a no-nonsense hi quality but low cost cartridge(Moving Magnet) that is suitable to this table/tonearm setup? I've heard that it needs a cart with low(?) compliance due to the tonearm mass -- or mabye I got that backwards? I know diddly about turntable setup.
Thanks.
-Chris