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v.1.9.0 updated 07/17/2026
Damn it, I tried, but mistakes happen. Check if you don't want to fall into a trap!
cartz@phonoculture.com
Damn it, I tried, but mistakes happen. Check if you don't want to fall into a trap!
cartz@phonoculture.com
Hi!
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[Test Note] Check Empire 2000E/III on my setup
Empire 1000 ZE/X
The Empire 1000 ZE/X works as an audiophile grade MM cartridge fitted with a nude elliptical stylus profile. Its 5 mV output feeds any standard MM phono input without a step up device or extra gain. Recommended tracking force runs from 0.25 to 1.25 grams with a nominal setting of 1.0 gram. The replaceable stylus assembly carries the designation S-1000ZE/X, and Phono Culture lists 7 compatible replacement styli for this model.
- Class:
Audiophile
- Mounting
- standard 1/2"
- Weight & Dimensions (H×W×D)
- 7 g
- Output Voltage
- 5 mV
- Frequency Response
- 4–40 000 Hz
- Channel Separation
- 30 dB
- Channel Balance
- ≤ 1.5 dB
- Recommended Load
- 47 kΩ
- Tracking Force
- 0.25–1.25 g (nominal 1.0 g)
- Compliance Value
- 35 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne
- Cantilever
- aluminum pipe
Additional Info
The Empire 1000 ZE/X carries a warm, forgiving character with natural midrange bloom, so vocals sit rich and textured rather than clinical. Its nude biradial elliptical stylus on an aluminum cantilever keeps transients smooth without harshness, while imaging and dynamics stay comfortably above average for jazz and vocal records. Twin Samarium Cobalt magnets add drive without edge. The stylus is replaceable when it wears.
Replacement styluses for Empire 1000 ZE/X
| JICO | S-1000ZE/X (AE10232) | Nude Elliptical |
| Tonar | 333-DE | Elliptical |
| LP Gear | S1000ZE/X-ERD | Elliptical |
| Tonar | 333-SHIBA | Shibata |
| Empire | S-999 SE/X | Elliptical |
| Empire | S909X | Elliptical |
| Empire | S-999 X | Conical |
Sound × Setup
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add 01/19/2026 · upd. 08/02/2026