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Empire 888SE

The Empire 888SE ranks among American audiophile classics built on an MI generator. The cartridge works into a standard MM phono input and carries an elliptical stylus. Tracking force spans a wide 0.5 to 3.0 g window. The replaceable stylus is the S888SE-ERD, and Phono Culture lists one compatible replacement.

Stylus: S888SE-ERD
Series: 888
Type: МI
Stylus Shape: Elliptical[ radii (mil / µm) 0.3 × 0.7 mil ]
Price: 44.95 USD (1967)
Class: Audiophile

Frequency Response: 6–32 000 Hz
Channel Separation: 30 dB
Tracking Force: 0.5–3.0 g
VTA: 15°
Compliance Value: 25 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne

Additional Info

The Empire 888SE from the 888 family is an easy-mannered, forgiving MI built on the moving-iron principle with an elliptical stylus. Vocals sit natural and relaxed, bass stays warm and solid rather than aggressive, and the stage opens up with comfortable, spacious imaging. Jazz, vocal records and classic rock on modest to mid systems fit it well. The stylus is replaceable, so servicing stays simple.

Replacement styluses for Empire 888SE

Pfanstiehl

232-SDE

Elliptical

Sound × Setup

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Collectors

add 02/01/2026 · upd. 08/02/2026