Hello everyone,
I've spent some time reading threads on here about restoring an Empire 208 that I have, and looking forward to buying some parts. I bought it from the Frank Zappa Foundation and it's in mediocre shape, but hoping to bring it back to its former glory. Also possibly looking to get into custom speaker cabinet builds but that's down the line!
I've spent some time reading threads on here about restoring an Empire 208 that I have, and looking forward to buying some parts. I bought it from the Frank Zappa Foundation and it's in mediocre shape, but hoping to bring it back to its former glory. Also possibly looking to get into custom speaker cabinet builds but that's down the line!
Very cool.
Im a huge Frank Zappa fan and the proud owner of a mostly original empire 208.
Mine has the 980 tonearm and a denon dl 103r moving coil cartridge on it and its in a place where it gets daily use.
My friend found it on the curb and brought it to me when a neighbor's house was getting renovated.
It was free...
I serviced it and replaced the motor bushings, i may have also put a belt on it. The wood could use a refinish but you cant hear it...
Welcome.
Im a huge Frank Zappa fan and the proud owner of a mostly original empire 208.
Mine has the 980 tonearm and a denon dl 103r moving coil cartridge on it and its in a place where it gets daily use.
My friend found it on the curb and brought it to me when a neighbor's house was getting renovated.
It was free...
I serviced it and replaced the motor bushings, i may have also put a belt on it. The wood could use a refinish but you cant hear it...
Welcome.
The Denon 103 is exactly what I was thinking of using, unless I come across a nice 108 cartridge for a reasonable price. Bushings and a belt are likewise on the way, just need to find a motor cover (tough!) and refurbish the 980 arm. Headshell is in miserable condition but serviceable (missing the little arm protrusion). I'd replace it and box up the old one for posterity if I happened on a good one. Lucky you to find things on the curb! Round here in Florida, anything left on the curb rots away in five minutes, forget it if there's an MDF component.
My main turntable is a Fairchild 440 w/ a Shure M3D. One or the other will end up being for mono records.
The Empire 208 seems a great deck! A lot of upgrade can be perform. Aside the Lenco L75, probably the best deck that can be improoved with DIY. You are Lucky !
Welcome from another 208/980 owner.
(Spent a full day driving to get mine.)
(Spent a full day driving to get mine.)