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

Hi!

Let me explain why you need notes. Just click on me

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

Empire P888

The Empire P888 is a moving magnet cartridge aimed at listeners building an affordable but honest analogue front end. Its 7.5 mV output drives any standard MM phono input without a step up device. The nude elliptical stylus profile tracks the groove at a rated force of 0.75 to 1.5 grams. The replaceable S888PE/ERD stylus has two compatible options listed in the Phono Culture database.

Home Brand

Stylus: S888PE/ERD
Type: ММ
Stylus Shape: Nude Elliptical[ radii (mil / µm) 0.2 × 0.7 mil (≈5 × 17 µm) ]
Class: Entry-Level

Output Voltage: 7.5 mV
Frequency Response: 10–34 000 Hz
Channel Separation: 30 dB
Channel Balance: ≤ 2 dB
Recommended Load: 47 kΩ || 400–500 pF
Tracking Force: 0.75–1.5 g
Compliance Value: dynamic ~20 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne

Additional Info

The Empire P888 is a forgiving, easygoing MM whose nude elliptical tip favors musical flow over forensic detail. Vocals come through natural and full-bodied, dynamics feel lively and punchy, while bass stays reasonably tight. Relaxed rather than surgical tracking glides over imperfect pressings, which suits rock, soul and casual vinyl sessions. The stylus is replaceable, keeping long-term ownership simple.

Replacement styluses for Empire P888

Empire	S888E-ERD	Elliptical
LP Gear	Empire 888-series	Elliptical

Sound × Setup

Detail

58%

IGD Control

52%

Noise Suppression

60%

Dynamics—Attack

65%

Soundstage/Imaging

62%

Bass Density

61%

Vocals/Midrange

66%

Forgiving Character

72%

Tonearm mass light 67%

medium 33%·heavy 0%

Capacitance from 200 pF 60%

up to 100 pF 10%·100-200 pF 30%

Phono gain 35–38 dB 100%

39–42 dB 0%·43–46 dB 0%

Картридж Empire P888 (ММ, динамическая гибкость ~20×10⁻⁶ см/дин) хорошо сочетается с лёгким тонармом — масса не указана, оценка по типичной 6.5 г (уверенность средняя). Фонокорректор: нагрузка 47 кОм, ёмкость по факту рекомендована 400–500 пФ, усиление 35–38 дБ. Выходной уровень 7.5 мВ упрощает подбор входа.

Collectors

add 01/06/2026 · upd. 08/02/2026