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Tested and Working. This was pulled from a working environment. Please look at all pictures before purchasing, only what is included in pictures is included in sale.Will ship same day purchased in a professionally packaged box.112WR SS
This US$500 asking price for the Empire 598 Troubador is a strong bargain, sitting well below the typical used range of US$600–US$800 for restored units in good condition. Given that the model is a classic vintage turntable from the late 1970s generation, now replaced by modern high-end designs, this timing offers a rare entry point into a well-loved piece of audio history at a price that feels like a genuine steal.
The Empire 598 is highly regarded for its robust construction, smooth belt-drive performance, and excellent compatibility with a wide range of cartridges, delivering warm, detailed sound that still holds up today. Its enduring appeal, combined with the likelihood of original-owner condition or included accessories in listings at this price, makes it a clear buying opportunity for enthusiasts seeking reliable vintage performance without the premium markup.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Empire is best known as a vintage American hi-fi brand that dates back to 1959, when it appeared as Audio Empire in the United States. It began under Dyna-Empire, a precision machine-shop manufacturer, before evolving into Empire Scientific; later history suggests the audio side changed hands and eventually faded as a consumer audio name. Because the brand’s classic era is several decades behind us, some details are unevenly documented, but its roots in mid-century U.S. hi-fi are clear.
In its heyday, Empire focused on analog playback gear, especially phono cartridges, styli, and tonearms. The company was particularly associated with turntable accessories and record-playback components rather than complete systems. That makes Empire a name most often encountered by vinyl enthusiasts, vintage-audio collectors, and restoration-minded buyers rather than shoppers looking for modern amplifiers, speakers, DACs, or headphones.
Today, Empire’s reputation is primarily that of a respected vintage brand with a strong collectible following. Its products are remembered for careful engineering and a place in the golden age of American hi-fi, but it is not a current mainstream audio manufacturer in the modern consumer market. For buyers, Empire is more a heritage name than an active high-end badge, valued for classic analog performance and historical significance.
See all Empire listings on RADAR.
