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ELAC 244-C

The ELAC 244-C was made by the German brand for the mass market decks of its day. Its very high 15 mV output easily drives a standard MM phono input. The conical stylus was specified for heavy tracking from 2.5 to 5.0 g. The replaceable stylus is the D 244-C, and Phono Culture lists 2 compatible replacement styli.

Stylus: D 244-C
Series: STS 244
Type: ММ
Stylus Shape: Conical[ radii (mil / µm) 0.7 mil ]
Price: 102.12 DEM (1972)
Class: Entry-Level

Mounting: standard 1/2"
Weight & Dimensions (H×W×D): 6.5 g
Output Voltage: 15 mV
Frequency Response: 20–20 000 Hz
Channel Separation: 22 dB
Channel Balance: ≤ 2 dB
Recommended Load: 47 kΩ
Tracking Force: 2.5–5.0 g
VTA: 15°
Compliance Value: 10 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne

Additional Info

The ELAC 244-C, also listed as the STS 244-C, favors a warm, natural midrange and relaxed vocals over sharp detail or tight bass grip. Surface noise and worn grooves get smoothed away, so well-loved records stay pleasant on older turntables and changers built for higher tracking force. Easygoing listening rather than critical playback is its home ground. The stylus is replaceable as the D 244-C insert.

Replacement styluses for ELAC 244-C

Tonar	427-DS	Conical
ELAC	D 244-E	Elliptical

Sound × Setup

Detail

42%

IGD Control

38%

Noise Suppression

44%

Dynamics—Attack

48%

Soundstage/Imaging

45%

Bass Density

46%

Vocals/Midrange

52%

Forgiving Character

72%

Tonearm mass medium 50%

light 50%·heavy 0%

Capacitance up to 100 pF 60%

100-200 pF 30%·from 200 pF 10%

Phono gain 35–38 dB 0%

39–42 dB 0%·43–46 dB 0%

ELAC 244-C (MM) pairs well with heavy tonearms (8–12g ideal). Requires 43–46 dB gain—verify preamp specs. Low capacitance design suits short cables. Optimal tracking force: 1.5–2g. Ensure proper impedance matching (47kΩ standard). Good for warm, detailed playback on stable decks.

Collectors

add 02/07/2026 · upd. 08/02/2026