Introducing an evolutionary idea.
The New Empire 698 Turntable
Great ideas never change radically.
Instead, they are constantly being refined to become more relevant with time.
So it has been with Empire turntables. Our latest model, 698, is no exception. Basically, it's still the uncomplicated, belt-driven turntable we've been making for 15 years. A classic.
What we're introducing is improved performance.
The lower mass tone arm, electronic cueing, quieting circuitry and automatic arm lift are all very new.
The rest is history.
The Tonearm
The new 698 arm moves effortlessly on 32 jeweled, sapphire bearings.
Vertical and horizontal bearing friction is a mere 0.001 gram, 4 times less than it would be on conventional steel bearings. It is impervious to drag. Only the calibrated anti-skating and tracking force you select control its movement.
The new aluminum tubular arm, dramatically reduced in mass, responds instantly to the slightest variation of a record's movement. Even the abrupt Changes Of a warped disc are quickly absorbed.
The Motor
A self-cooling, hysteresis synchronous motor drives the platter with enough torque to reach full speed in one third of a revolution. It contributes to the almost immeasurable 0.04 % average wow and flutter value in our specifications.
More important, it's built to last.
The Drive Belt
Every turntable is approved only when zero error is achieved in its speed accuracy. To prevent any variations of speed we grind each belt to within one ten thousandth of an inch thickness.
The Platter
Every two piece, 7 lb., 3 inch thick, die cast aluminum platter is dynamically balanced. Once in motion, it acts as a massive flywheel to assure specified wow and flutter value even with the voltage varied from 105 to 127 volts AC.
The Main Bearing
The stainless steel shaft extending from the platter is aged, by alternate exposures to extreme high and low temperatures preventing it from ever warping. The tip is then precision ground and polished before lapping it into two oilite, self-lubricating bearings, reducing friction and reducing rumble to one of the lowest figures ever measured in a professional turntable: -68 dB CBS ARIA.
The Controls
Electronic cueing has been added to the 698 to raise and lower the tone arm at your slightest touch.
Simple plug-in integrated circuitry raises the tone arm automatically when power is turned off.
A see-through anti skating adjustment pro vides the necessary force for the horizontal plane. It is micrometer calibrated to eliminate channel imbalance and unnecessary record wear.
Stylus force is dialed using a see-through calibrated clock mainspring more accurate than any commercially available stylus pressure gauge.
A new silicon photocell sensor has been added to automatically lift the arm at the end of a record.
New quieting circuitry has also been added. Now, even with the amplifier volume turned up, you can switch the 698 on or off without a "pop" sound to blow out your woofers.
At Empire we make only one model turntable, the 698. With proper maintenance and care the chances are very good it will be the only one you'll ever need.
The Empire 698 Turntable
Suggested retail price $400.00
EMPIRE
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(High Fidelity, Apr. 1977)
Also see:
Empire 698 turntable (Equip. Profile, Apr. 1977)
Empire phono cartridge (ad, Oct. 1977)
JVC turntables (ad, Apr. 1977)