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The Vintage Gears

VINTAGE AUDIO • HI-FI • RARE IMPORTS

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Rare French Avant-Garde: ERA 444

Discover the sleek minimalism of French audio engineering with this ERA 444 turntable. Produced by Etudes et Recherches Acoustiques in Paris during the 1970s, ERA turntables are coveted for their unique "Silent Block" suspension and high-mass tonearms that track difficult records with ease. They are often compared favorably to the AR XA or Thorens TD-150 for their focus on pure performance over gadgetry.

This specific unit is a rare find: a North American Export Model wired for 120V / 60Hz. No step-up transformers are needed; it plugs directly into a standard US/Canada outlet. To ensure it sounds as good as it looks, we have fitted it with a premium Audio-Technica AT11E cartridge (New Old Stock), a legendary Japanese tracker known for its balanced, warm output.

What the Photos Reveal

We have tested and photographed this unit to show its exact status:

The Cartridge: Close-ups confirm the installation of a clean Audio-Technica AT11E (Green Stylus), mounted securely in the headshell.
The Operation: The video/photos show the platter spinning and the arm tracking. The belt is in good condition.
The Flaws: Please note the dust cover condition. There is a missing chip/break on the rear left side near the hinge and a small hairline crack on the front left corner. The rest of the plinth is clean.
Connectivity: Includes standard RCA cables and a ground wire.

Item Specifications

Brand: ERA (France)
Model: 444
Power: 120V / 60Hz (US Plug)
Drive System: Belt Drive
Tonearm: ERA Frictionless Pivot
Cartridge: Audio-Technica AT11E (Japan)
Speeds: 33 & 45 RPM
Dimensions: Approx 16" x 12"
Condition: Working / Cosmetic flaws on cover

Condition Report

TESTED & WORKING - READ NOTES

Audio: Sounds fantastic with the new AT11E cartridge.
Mechanical: Motor is quiet. Platter spins true.
Dust Cover: Functional but has damage (broken piece at rear hinge, crack at front). See photos.

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