v.1.9.0 updated 07/17/2026

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cartz@phonoculture.com

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[Test Note] Check Empire 2000E/III on my setup

Empire 66E/X

The Empire 66E/X sits in the mid range of the American MM lineup. Its 4 mV output suits any standard MM phono input. The elliptical stylus rides the groove at a light 0.75 to 1.5 g. The replaceable stylus is the S66E/X, and Phono Culture lists 4 compatible replacement styli.

Stylus: S66E/X
Type: ММ
Stylus Shape: Elliptical[ radii (mil / µm) 0.3 × 0.7 mil ]
Price: 90 USD (1974)
Class: Mid-Range

Mounting: standard 1/2"
Output Voltage: 4 mV
Frequency Response: 8–34 000 Hz
Channel Separation: 30 dB
Tracking Force: 0.75–1.5 g

Additional Info

The Empire 66E/X is a warm, forgiving MM with a natural, relaxed vocal presentation and solid bass density that avoids harshness on less-than-perfect pressings. Imaging and dynamics stay respectably even rather than razor-sharp, comfortable for jazz, rock and vintage collections. Some references list output as 0.8 mV per channel at 1 cm/s, roughly 4.0 mV at 5 cm/s. The elliptical stylus is replaceable, keeping long-term service simple.

Replacement styluses for Empire 66E/X

Tonar	S-906E (906E)	Elliptical
Audio Empire	239 (Type 239)	Elliptical
LP Gear	S66E/X ERD	Elliptical
BLISS	239-DEC	Elliptical

Sound × Setup

Detail

62%

IGD Control

58%

Noise Suppression

64%

Dynamics—Attack

68%

Soundstage/Imaging

65%

Bass Density

66%

Vocals/Midrange

70%

Forgiving Character

75%

Tonearm mass medium 44%

light 44%·heavy 11%

Capacitance 100-200 pF 60%

up to 100 pF 20%·from 200 pF 20%

Phono gain 39–42 dB 60%

35–38 dB 20%·43–46 dB 20%

Empire 66E/X (MM) compatible. Medium tonearm mass ideal for compliance. 39–42 dB gain sufficient for MM output (~5mV). Optimal capacitance confirmed. No impedance issues. Setup: standard MM preamp, proper VTF tracking. Recommended.

Collectors

add 02/04/2026 · upd. 08/02/2026