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We received this in error as we misordered it for an Empire 398. Things happen. Don't feel the seller should bear the brunt. Its a perfect fit for the 598. You are fully insured through Reverb's Safe Shipping program. They use real insurance companies not the couriers with a full repair or 100% money back refund guarantee. I've seen it firsthand on several purchases we have made. We are excellent shippers. Check our reviews for peace of mind.
At US$195, this is a strong deal versus the recent used market: it sits well below the US$347 25th percentile and far under the US$500 median, so the asking price leaves real room for service, setup, or a needed stylus and still keeps it attractive. For an Empire 598, that’s especially compelling because these are admired for their substantial build, classic idler-driven character, and strong collector appeal when complete.
The upside is straightforward: if the plinth, arm, and platter are intact and it spins quietly, you’re buying a respected vintage table at bargain money. The main thing to verify is completeness and operational health, since age-related maintenance on the drive system, bearings, and arm wiring can matter more than cosmetics. If it’s a clean, usable example, this reads like a genuine buy.
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.
