v.1.9.0 updated 07/17/2026

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Empire TC40

The Empire TC40 uses an induced magnet MI design and carries the replaceable S44E stylus with an elliptical profile. Its 3.5 mV output feeds any standard MM phono input without extra gain stages. Tracking force is rated from 0.75 to 2.0 grams, leaving room for careful arm setup. Phono Culture lists one compatible replacement stylus for this mid-range model.

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Stylus: S44E
Type: МI
Stylus Shape: Elliptical[ radii (mil / µm) 0.2×0.7 mil (≈5.1×17.8 µm) ]
Class: Mid-Range

Mounting: standard 1/2"
Output Voltage: 3.5 mV
Frequency Response: 7–30 000 Hz
Recommended Load: 47 kΩ || 300 pF
Tracking Force: 0.75–2.0 g
VTA: 20°
Cantilever: tapered aluminum alloy

Additional Info

The Empire TC40 builds warm, forgiving tonality around natural vocals and lively dynamics rather than forensic detail. Its tapered aluminum cantilever with an elliptical tip smooths transients, so surface noise and tracking imperfections stay unobtrusive rather than searing. Imaging holds solid without pinpoint precision, and bass carries enough weight to feel grounded. Jazz, vocal records and classic rock on modest to mid-tier systems suit it well. The stylus is user-replaceable, so wear stays a small expense.

Replacement styluses for Empire TC40

LP Gear

S44E

Elliptical

Sound × Setup

Detail

62%

IGD Control

58%

Noise Suppression

61%

Dynamics—Attack

68%

Soundstage/Imaging

65%

Bass Density

64%

Vocals/Midrange

70%

Forgiving Character

72%

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 TC40 (тип MI, кантилевер — tapered aluminum alloy) хорошо ложится в лёгкий тонарм — низкая эффективная масса даёт оптимальную резонансную частоту (8.3–10.8 Гц по примерам расчёта). Фонокорректор — MM-вход с усилением 39–42 дБ и ёмкостью нагрузки около 300 пФ (рекомендуемая 47 кОм). Оценка ориентировочная: податливость и масса картриджа не указаны производителем, использованы типичные MM-значения (15 µm/mN, 6.5 г), confidence — средний.

Collectors

add 01/17/2026 · upd. 08/02/2026