Empire 698
Belt Driven Turntable System
Description
The new 698 arm moves effortlessly on 32 jewelled, sapphire bearings with bearing friction a mere 0.001g.
The aluminium tubular arm, dramatically reduced in mass, responds to the slightest variation of a records movement.
A self-cooling hysteresis synchronous motor drives the platter with enough torque to reach full speed in one third of a revolution.
To prevent any variations of speed each belt is ground within one ten thousandth of an inch thickness.
Every two piece, 7ib, 3" thick, die cast aluminium plater is dynamically balanced, and once in motion it acts as a massive flywheel to assure the specified wow and flutter value.
The suspension system consists of piston damped, 16 gauge steel coil springs.
The main bearing features a stainless steel shaft with a precision ground tip sitting in self lubricating bearings, reducing rumble to one of the lowest figures ever measured in a professional turntable.
Specifications
Motor: hysteresis synchronous
Rumble: 68dB
Wow and flutter: 0.04%
Startup time: 1/3 rev
Platter: 12", 7ib 3oz, aluminium
Tonearm: aluminium
Effective length: 9 inches
Bias control: diminishing spring
Tracking force range: 0 to 4g
Dimensions: 8 3/16 x 17 1/2 x 15 1/8 inches
Review
In sum, the Empire 698 is a beautifully constructed and finished product, one of the few remaining truly manual record players. It should be able to extract the fullest measure of performance from any cartridge and record. It is certain, too, that no one will wish to hide it from view since it is one audio product that looks as good as it sounds. - Popular Electronics
Downloads
independent tests (en)
flyer (en)
instruction/owners manual (en)
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Empire 698 / 698 owners manual, service manuals and schematics are for reference only and the Vinyl Engine bears no responsibility for errors or other inaccuracies. The PDF files are copyright the Vinyl Engine and provided under strict licence. Reproduction for financial gain is strictly prohibited. This website is not affiliated with or sponsored by Empire.