Very rare in this condition
Empire 398 Gold turntable (208 with tone-arm 980), with massive walnut base, Empire 880P cartridge/box (including OS new stylus) and Empire 909 cartridge/box (with original good stylus),
Collectors item with high-end class,
upgraded with Cardas wiring 33AWGx4 shielded (with mini gold plugs/rhodium over silver and detachable gold plugs for 5 pin Empire plug), detachable power cord, pitch control,
new AC/Hz converter (build in), can be switched (now its set for 230V) for use with 230V and 110V and it will produce the needed 60 Hz for the superb Pabst motor,
shock absorbers, new good belt, new motor shock absorbers, mint-/mint, with original box, etc.,
3-speed belt driven, fully functional, tested, s/n 28072,
All original replaced parts are kept and if a collector should want it the old style everything can be quite easy turned back.
Read : http://www.audioasylum.com/audio/vinyl/messages/88/886897.html
This a superb, very rare, great looking (museum quality) and working american turntable (10/30 1962 see picture nr.10 ) 110v/60hz, works with build in converter on 230v/50hz to 110v/60hz, so it will work almost everywhere in the world, has pitch control (picture nr.8) 60hz (up and down) with turning switch for exact playing speed and when the switch is pressed, its back to 60 hz .
The pitch control is placed (picture 8) out of sight, underneath, but can be operated during playing.
The Pabst motor is working silent and smooth, the platter fits like a glove in the spindle hole and if you give the platter a spin (without belt) it keeps on turning forever in a very stable way. Its a very heavy platter and a master piece of craftsmanship.
Cosmetic and mechanicle in superb condition, cleaned/oiled, the Empire almost looks like new.The metal is not corroded and after 50 years it will stay that way for the next 50 years.
The only flaw is a hard to see half circular (pic nr.6) scratch on the wood/lack, which could be easy sanded away and than put in oil or lack and of course it has light handling marks, but nothing serious for its age.
There are two small drilling holes 9 (picture nr.6) which the previous owner made/used for a lift/cueing device. The holes can be quite easy filled and colored so its for 95% invisible or used again, maybe for the pitch control, the wire is extra long.
If i should decide to keep it myself, i should replace the gold metal motor cover for an identical glass cover! Gives it a special modern/classic look.
If you win with bidding you get the empire as described down and on pictures 1 to 11, so not the Thorens stabilizer and the book with several original adds.
When you use "now buying" for euro 2375,- you winn the whole package including Thorens stabilizer in wooden box and the book with 12 original adds and some interesting reviews.
The set can also be bought with 2 extra cartridges and 2 cart carriers, one new old stock Empire 888SE with original stylus and container/manual, one used, but great working Shure M55E with original stylus (good), all complete for euro 2975,-. You can ask for info/pictures.
I am very good in safe shipping, see my feedback, and i ship always double boxed!!!
!Please ask shipping price! before bidding, because the parcel will be heavy and double boxed for safe transport and shipping prices vary too much
cosmetic 9,5 ,
mechanicle 10,
auction includes Empire turntable, belt, 2 cartridges with boxes,manual and screws, 4 shock absorbers, power cord, Cardas wiring, 1 original add, 1 (NE-51) and 2 (NE-51H) spare neon bulbs, all original replaced parts, original box with matching serial number,
as pictures