• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

My Empire 208 project begins

specialidiot

specialidiot

Break Glass, Smoke Lucky
I picked this up about a month ago from that auction site. It was listed as having a non-working motor but last night I got it going so the project begins.

Tonight I spent an hour or so with Nev'r Dull and I'm afraid I'm going to have to give it to a shotblaster. While it cleaned up fairly well, the motor cover and the edges of the platter are fugly.

I might be looking for a new arm......

And what's with that bird looking thing, some kind of record cleaning device? The base of it doesn't pull out easily from the deck so I think I'm going to be doing without it.

empire01.jpg


empire02.jpg


empire03.jpg


empire04.jpg


empire05.jpg


empire06.jpg


empire07.jpg
 
Register to hide this ad
specialidiot said:
And what's with that bird looking thing, some kind of record cleaning device? The base of it doesn't pull out easily from the deck so I think I'm going to be doing without it.
Click to expand...

Silly boy, that's the record head. :stupid:
 
Jeff, those are the "after cleaning" pics? I'd say yeah, take it to the blaster. :yes:

Cool arm - it looks to be in better overall condition than the table.

Try some Howard's Restor-a-finish on the base, used in a well ventilated space.
 
Redboy said:
Jeff, those are the "after cleaning" pics? I'd say yeah, take it to the blaster. :yes:
Click to expand...

Nope, those are before. The scratches in the finish rubbed out about 95%, that part looks waaaaay better. Its the edges of the platter and the motor cover that are looking pretty hailed out.


Cool arm - it looks to be in better overall condition than the table.
Click to expand...

Yeah actually it does. I was going to put a meter to the cable to see if it still had continuity but I got... tired. The cartridge leads are soldered to the pins in the headshell though.


Try some Howard's Restor-a-finish on the base, used in a well ventilated space.
Click to expand...

That's the plan! The base is in real nice shape.

Jeff... ignoring Ray with dignity
 
It's like Empire central around here lately.


Looks good Jeff! A little elbow grease and persistance and you will whip her into shape.

RC
 
And what's with that bird looking thing, some kind of record cleaning device?
Click to expand...

That's a "Dust Bug." It is a record cleaner.... There is an older thread about it.

Wes
 
specialidiot said:
Nope, those are before.
Click to expand...

I thought those were "after" also. Where are the real "after" pics? Inquiring minds and all...

Have you tried a cart on it yet? I'm just wondering if there's a Denon in my future. ;)

Jeff... ignoring Ray with dignity
Click to expand...

You may be ignoring me but just the simple mention of my name has put an end to your dignity.

Ray
 
RayW said:
I thought those were "after" also. Where are the real "after" pics? Inquiring minds and all...
Click to expand...

Its not "after" yet. We are still in "during".

Have you tried a cart on it yet? I'm just wondering if there's a Denon in my future. ;)
Click to expand...

Nope, not yet. I need to do a continuity check on the wiring, then get the old cart out of there. Its a double-weird deal. First, the existing cart seems to be glued to a clear plastic card which is wedged into the headshell. There are what seems to be appropriate mounting holes for cartridge screws so we'll see. Second, the existing wires are soldered to the headshell pins so I need to visit NeedleDoctor to get some of those itty bitty cables.

More pictures of the in-process cleanup and the headshell tonight, I hope.

The Denon isn't going anywhere for quite a while. This Empire will go with my tube gear.

You may be ignoring me but just the simple mention of my name has put an end to your dignity.
Click to expand...

As If.
 
specialidiot said:
While it cleaned up fairly well, the motor cover and the edges of the platter are fugly.
Click to expand...
Jeff, I had really good luck with Simple Green on mine, but it might take off the gold color in the process.

Just a thought. If you're planning to blast it anyway, you could try that first.
 
Nice table should turn out nice after some more elbow grease and a little tlc. I remember the Dust Bugs thought those were kind of an oddity but would probably keep it as a conversation piece. Very cool piece and I`ll bet somewhat rare these days.
 
Redboy said:
Jeff, I had really good luck with Simple Green on mine, but it might take off the gold color in the process.

Just a thought. If you're planning to blast it anyway, you could try that first.
Click to expand...

I hit it pretty good with Nev'R Dull and got most all of the scratches off the deck. But the motor guard and the edge of the platter still looks like poo.

The guy I had lined up to blast it said his gear was way to big for it, so I may need to find someone commercially.
 
Something I've not noticed before, it says Dyna Empire and not Empire Scientific. I now Dyna did some partnering and recall seeing B&O SP series cartridges with the Dyna label but can not remember seeing a 208 with a reference like that. Maybe the webs are getting thick between the ears.
 
Here are some sorta cleaned up pictures, and one of the cartridge in its current f'd up condition.

I keep thinking a new arm is the way to go.

empire11.jpg


empire12.jpg


empire08.jpg


empire00.jpg


empire10.jpg
 
A buddy of mine just restored a 208. He had the thing blasted and powder coated. If I were you, that's the way to go. There are many "tweeks" you can do on that table. The arm most people recommend is SME 3009. You'll need to have a bigger hole cut but let me tell you what a difference. Add some mass to the plinth and the platter also.

Check out this site for help and info.

http://cognitivevent.com/av_empire.html

Andrew
 
Does anyone recognize the cartridge? Don't destroy it as it may be something of interest.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom