S500ID Type Shibata Upgrade for Empire 500ID Cartridge

If you prefer an economical solution (moderate downgrade) then please view needle 241-DE below.

This shibata tipped needle made in Japan will transform any compatible cartridge with a lesser-equipped stylus into a high end playback solution capable of exceptionally faithful, clear and true sound reproduction.

• stereo and mono ready - quadraphonic system not required to enjoy the near perfect sound reproduction that shibata tipped needles offer.
Shibata needles have maximum contact with the record groove, better than conical, elliptical and hyperelliptical tips.
For any type of quadraphonic (4-channel) record playback, be it of the discrete (CD-4) or matrix (SQ) variety, in addition to this quality shibata stylus, the following components of a complete quad system must all be present and in working order:

1. A Cartridge sold originally as being capable of 4-channel playback.
   
2. A Record originally pressed with decodable information for channels 3 and 4 that is still in good condition. A record that is too worn will lose it's ability to provide the high carrier frequency needed for the amp to decode the rear channels even though you may still be able to hear the two primary left and right channels just fine. The record jacket will clearly advertise (brag) about this capability if it is present.
   
3. A receiver or amplifier with the needed circuitry which is still functional. Capacitors and edge-connector connections often fail in these circuits leaving them no longer capable of decoding the rear channels 3 and 4.
4. and of course 4 speakers hooked up correctly and situated in the 4 corners of a standard listening room.

Original needle color is usually: translucent PURPLE
EMPIRE CARTRIDGES 500ID
EMPIRE NEEDLES S500ID