Victrola Empire 6-in-1 Record Player vs TS-01 Fully Automatic Turntable

The Empire is the one-box choice: vinyl, CDs, cassettes, FM radio and Bluetooth through built-in speakers, so a beginner can start with nothing else. The TS-01 is the better turntable: fully automatic arm movement, a remote, a real Audio-Technica ATN3600L stylus and a built-in phono preamp, but it needs powered speakers or a hi-fi to make sound. Owners rate the Empire well (4.6 from 176 ratings), though its vinyl-wrapped MDF body and all-in-one electronics are the weak points; the TS-01 is the step up for anyone who mainly plays records.

• Choose the Empire if you want one piece of furniture that plays records, CDs, cassettes and radio, and you don't want to buy separate speakers.
• Choose the TS-01 if records are the point, you want the arm to lift and return by itself, and you already have powered speakers or an amp.