v.1.9.0 updated 07/17/2026

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Empire 108

The Empire 108 has settled into the ranks of collectible American classics. This MM cartridge pairs a conical stylus with a high 8 mV output for any standard MM phono input. Tracking force spans a wide 1.5 to 5.0 g window. The replaceable stylus is the S108, and Phono Culture lists 2 compatible replacement styli.

Stylus: S108
Type: ММ
Stylus Shape: Conical[ radii (mil / µm) 0.7 mil (≈17.8 µm) ]
Price: 34.50 USD (1961)
Class: Collectible

Mounting: standard 1/2"
Weight & Dimensions (H×W×D): 10 g
Output Voltage: 8 mV
Frequency Response: 15–30 000 Hz
Channel Separation: 25 dB
Recommended Load: 47 kΩ
Tracking Force: 1.5–5.0 g
Compliance Value: 6 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne

Additional Info

The Empire 108 is an easygoing, warm-voiced MM built around a conical stylus. Its forgiving nature smooths over surface noise and imperfect pressings, while solid dynamics and a naturally rendered midrange give vocals believable presence. Imaging stays modest rather than pinpoint, suiting relaxed jazz, folk and vintage rock. The stylus is replaceable, stereo and mono versions exist, and mounting fits both 7/16 and 1/2 inch centres.

Replacement styluses for Empire 108

Tonar	250-DS	Conical
Thakker	S-108-7RD	Conical

Sound × Setup

Detail

62%

IGD Control

52%

Noise Suppression

55%

Dynamics—Attack

65%

Soundstage/Imaging

58%

Bass Density

60%

Vocals/Midrange

68%

Forgiving Character

72%

Tonearm mass medium 38%

light 25%·heavy 38%

Capacitance up to 100 pF 60%

100-200 pF 30%·from 200 pF 10%

Phono gain 35–38 dB 100%

39–42 dB 0%·43–46 dB 0%

Empire 108 MM pairs best with heavy tonearms (12g+) to optimize compliance. Requires 35–38 dB gain—standard phono preamps work fine. Low capacitance design minimizes loading issues; use quality shielded cables. Excellent for warm, detailed vinyl playback on properly matched systems.

Collectors

add 01/20/2026 · upd. 08/02/2026