Victrola
Victrola Empire 6-in-1 Wood Mid-Century Record Player Review
A vintage-style wooden cabinet record player with classic mid-century aesthetics and multi-format playback.
Also worth considering
Quick Specs
Hover over ⓘ to learn what each means
- Drive Type ⓘ Belt drive = quieter listening, great for home use. Direct drive = instant start/stop, good if you want to DJ or scratch records.
- belt
- Speeds ⓘ This tells you which records you can play. 33 RPM plays full albums, 45 RPM plays singles. If it includes 78, you can also play old vintage records from your grandparents' collection.
- 33, 45, 78 RPM
- Built-in Preamp ⓘ Yes = plug directly into any speakers and you're ready to go. No = you'll need to buy a separate phono preamp or use a receiver with a 'phono' input.
- Yes
- USB Output ⓘ Yes = you can plug into your computer and save your vinyl as digital files to listen on your phone. No = vinyl only, no digital copies.
- No
- Cartridge ⓘ This is the part that actually touches your records. A good cartridge means better sound quality. You can always upgrade this later without buying a new turntable.
- Included
Our Take
The Empire is Victrola's take on the classic mid-century console — wooden cabinet, front-facing controls, and a design that looks like something your grandparents might have had, but updated with modern connectivity. The look is genuinely appealing: real wood veneer, knobs and dials that have an analog feel, and a form factor that fits naturally into a room with vintage-adjacent decor.
Like all console-style all-in-ones, audio quality is bounded by the built-in speakers. It's a design trade-off that makes sense for casual listening and furniture aesthetics, but limits the experience for anyone who cares about sound quality. No USB output means no digitizing capability, unlike the Aviator.
Right for: someone who wants a vintage aesthetic and multiple format playback in one piece of furniture. Not for: anyone who expects hi-fi sound or plans to build a proper audio system around it.
Sound Quality
The Empire sounds warm and pleasant through the built-in speakers — the wooden cabinet adds a touch of resonance that suits older recordings well. Volume is adequate for a small to medium room. The tonal balance is bass-light by default, which is typical for built-in speaker systems. Bluetooth audio sounds comparable to the built-in playback — neither mode is going to impress, but both are listenable. For vintage music collections — old soul, jazz standards, country classics — the presentation is actually quite fitting aesthetically if not technically.
Setup and Ease of Use
Minimal setup: place it, plug it in, and start playing. No external equipment needed. Bluetooth pairing is standard and works with most wireless speakers if you want to route audio to something better. The turntable mechanism is factory set and not user-adjustable. No USB output means no digital recording. Position it away from direct sunlight to protect the wood veneer finish.
What We Like
- ✓ Classic mid-century modern wooden cabinet design
- ✓ Front-facing knobs and controls for authentic vintage feel
- ✓ 6-in-1 system: turntable, CD, cassette, radio, Bluetooth, aux
- ✓ Built-in stereo speakers
What Could Be Better
- ✗ Audio quality limited by built-in speakers
- ✗ Not upgradeable
Best For
Those who prioritize vintage aesthetics and all-in-one convenience
Sold Out on Amazon?
If this turntable isn't available, these similar options are worth considering:
- Check availability
Crosley C6
Better sound quality in a more traditional turntable format.
Compare and explore more options:
- → Best Turntables for Beginners — picks across every beginner budget
- → Best Turntables Under $300 — top picks for budget-conscious buyers
Ready to Buy?
Get the Victrola Empire 6-in-1 Wood Mid-Century Record Player and start enjoying vinyl today.
Check current price on Amazon