Empire 698 tone arm lifts suddenly

[cmrouth]

Hello,

I have a problem with a "new" (sic) Empire 698 turntable I just purchased. When playing a 33, the tone arm lifts up when the needle reaches the same point, approximately 1/4" into the record. It happens every time, with different records and even after changing skate and weight settings.

Any suggestions to what is causing this problem, and how to resolve it?

Cameron

[Bob in STL]

Hello,

I have a problem with a "new" (sic) Empire 698 turntable I just purchased. When playing a 33, the tone arm lifts up when the needle reaches the same point, approximately 1/4" into the record. It happens every time, with different records and even after changing skate and weight settings.

Any suggestions to what is causing this problem, and how to resolve it?

Cameron

Soem questions that might help diagnose this:

What kind of cartridge is on it? (compliance)

Does cortridge have the correct mounting sled? (alignment)

Did you inspect the platter mat or under the mat for a bump? (debris)

With the table turned off, can you manually spin the platter and feel the bump in the same spot? (Belt/ Bearing/ Platter)

PS - I have had two chances to get one of these on Craiglist and both times missed by minutes. I hope you get it fixed.

[cmrouth]

Bob,

Thank you for the response. The cartridge is Audio Technica (I don't know the specific model). It appears to be mounded correctly and plays perfectly - until the arm gets 1/4" into the record.

Based on your other questions, perhaps I need to clarify the behavior of the tone arm. It doesn't bounce off the record as if there is a bump on the platter. When the needle gets approximately 1/4" into the record, the tone arms lifts off the platter the same way it would at the end of the record (except that it occurs 4 1/2 songs to early!).

Cameron

[josephazannieri]

Yo cmrouth:

There is an adjustment for pickup trigger position for the 698. Go to the instruction manual found here:

http://www.vinylengine.com/library/empire/698.shtml

You will see a selection of manuals. Go to user instructions and open that one up.

Look at instruction number 7. Take the stylus out, but leave stylus pressure set and make this adjustment as stated in instruction number 7. It should take care of problem. Hope this helps!

And good luck from the old Empire owner, (Mine is a 598)

Joe Z.

[Bob in STL]

Bob,

Thank you for the response. The cartridge is Audio Technica (I don't know the specific model). It appears to be mounded correctly and plays perfectly - until the arm gets 1/4" into the record.

Based on your other questions, perhaps I need to clarify the behavior of the tone arm. It doesn't bounce off the record as if there is a bump on the platter. When the needle gets approximately 1/4" into the record, the tone arms lifts off the platter the same way it would at the end of the record (except that it occurs 4 1/2 songs to early!).

Cameron

Yup, I misunderstood your note.

Follow the adjustment in the manual.

cheers, Bob

[cmrouth]

Joe Z.,

That did the trick. Thank you!

Cameron