398 Troubadour

About the 398 Troubadour

The Empire 398 Troubadour is a vintage belt-drive turntable produced in the 1960s, featuring a solid brass chassis, platter, and tonearm combined with a real walnut veneer cabinet. It operates at three speeds: 33-1/3, 45, and 78.25 RPM with a speed accuracy of +/- 0.3%. The turntable uses a hysteresis synchronous 4-pole dynamically balanced motor, known for quiet and powerful operation, originally made by German Pabst. It has a 12-inch, 6-pound cast aluminum platter that is individually balanced, with a turntable recovery of less than 1 RPM at 33-1/3 RPM. The wow and flutter is less than 0.15% RMS, and rumble exceeds broadcast and laboratory requirements, with vibration amplitude less than one millionth of an inch. The tonearm is fully manual with a unique proprietary magnetic arm lift mechanism at the end of the record. It includes an integral pop-up 45 adapter and originally came with a Shure M91ED cartridge in some versions. The turntable is powered by 105-125 V.A.C. at 60 Hz. It is highly regarded for its open, detailed, dynamic, and natural sound quality, making it competitive with modern high-end turntables. The Empire 398 is also noted for its retro aesthetic and craftsmanship, making it a collector's piece and a conversation starter. Prices for the Empire 398 range from approximately to depending on condition and accessories. It is no longer manufactured but remains popular among vintage audio enthusiasts.