PU8 Reference Tonearm

A masterpiece of audio engineering.

  • PU8 Reference Tonearm

    PU8 Reference Tonearm | Audio Origami


  • PU8 Reference Tonearm

    PU8 Reference Tonearm | Audio Origami


  • PU8 Reference Tonearm

    PU8 Reference Tonearm | Audio Origami


  • PU8 Reference Tonearm

    PU8 Reference Tonearm | Audio Origami


  • PU8 Reference Tonearm

    PU8 Reference Tonearm | Audio Origami


  • PU8 Reference Tonearm

    PU8 Reference Tonearm | Audio Origami


The Audio Origami PU8 tonearm represents the culmination of more than two decades of tonearm design and refinement. Developed as the natural evolution of the highly regarded PU7, the PU8 advances every critical element of the design while preserving the stability and precision of our proven gimbal architecture.

At the heart of the PU8 is a newly engineered gimbal assembly designed for greater structural stability and control at the pivot. The gimbal housing is machined from a denser material to improve rigidity, working in conjunction with an enlarged Delrin bearing housing that enhances bearing support and reduces unwanted micro-movement at the pivot.


The armtube uses a constrained-layer carbon–aluminium composite construction, chosen for its excellent balance of rigidity and controlled energy dissipation. This structure is further refined by our Meta Material Arm Damping System, developed to manage energy within the arm while preserving the speed and clarity required for accurate groove tracing.

Together these design elements create a more stable and controlled platform for the cartridge. The increased effective mass, improved damping and greater structural integrity allow the stylus to track the groove with exceptional precision, revealing fine detail while maintaining tonal naturalness and musical coherence. By controlling resonances throughout the arm structure, the PU8 allows the cartridge to operate in a quieter mechanical environment, preserving subtle recorded information.


The result is a tonearm that combines high resolution with composure and balance, allowing cartridges to perform at their full potential while preserving the musical integrity of the recording.

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Everything about the PU8 reflects a high level of meticulousness and concern for its appearance and feel.


I’ve also discovered that the articulation and agility provided ensure that even very fast-paced material is delivered in a way that imparts a sense of order and coherence to the music without compromising speed or the raw impact.


The SME cannot match the airiness and palpable three dimensionality that the PU8 delivers.

Ed Selley

Hi-Fi+ Magazine - January 2026

PU8 Reference Tonearm unique features...

One of the fundamental challenges in tonearm design is controlling resonance while maintaining complete stability at the cartridge pivot. The PU8 Reference addresses these challenges through a series of carefully engineered solutions.


Enhanced Material Damping

By using high-grade stainless steel in the gimbal, pillars and mount, the PU8 has increased mass in an area that doesn't alter effective arm mass but drastically improves resonance damping.

Carbon-Aluminum Armtube

By adhering an inner aluminium tube to an external carbon fibre tube, the new PU8 armtube is exceptionally well damped, stiff and light. This innovative design minimises resonance, ensuring a purer signal reaches your phono stage.

Improved Anti-Skate Device

The new PU8 anti-skate mechanism delivers meticulous cartridge performance across the entire surface of the record whilst keeping it away from the cue lever, making the arm easier to use.

Perfect Match for High-Performance Moving Coil Cartridges

The PU8 is designed to optimise the performance of your favourite low to medium compliance cartridges with compliance between 5cu and 15cu, unlocking their full potential.

Meta Material Armtube Damping System V2

Our next-generation M.M.A.D.S. effectively isolates internal vibrations, further enhancing clarity and detail by floating the internal wiring and blocking armtube resonance.

Future Proofed Modular Design

Due to the modular design of the PU8, it can be upgraded and supported for life, so if we make any enhancements to the design, you can apply them to your existing PU8.

PU8 Reference Tonearm

Major Cartridge Lines Compatible With the PU8

Because the PU8’s effective mass can be customised at build from 17g to 30g, it can be optimised to work perfectly with all of the cartridges listed below.

Opus-1 (Stereo)

Opus-1 (Mono)

PC-1 Coda

PC-1 Supreme (Stereo)

PC-1 Supreme (Mono)

MC1 Boron

MC2 Finish

MC1B

EX100

EX200

EX300

EX700

EX1000

EX2000

ART9

ART20

AT-OC9X series

VM95 series

VM500 series

VM700 series

ACE

Glider

Wood

Ruby

LP

LP-S

Concept Series

Performer Series

Artist Series

Virtuoso Series

Maestro V2

Charisma V2

Jubilee MM

Jubilee MC

Diamond Jubilee MC

Talisman V2 Gold

Concerto V2

Stradivari V2

da Vinci V2

Titanium V2

Goldfinger Statement V2.1

DL-103

DL-103R

DL-301II

DL-110

DS-E3

DS-003

DS-W3

DS Master 3

Grand Master

Grand Master Extreme

DV-10X5

DV-20X2

XX-2 MkII

Te Kaitora Rua

XV-1s

XV-1t

JSD Novel Gold

JSD Novel Titan

JSD VM

JSD Pure

JSD 5

JSD 6

HSD 006

HSD SC6

HMD 025

Etsuro Urushi Bordeaux

Etsuro Urushi Cobalt Blue

E series

1000 series

2000 Series

Eroica H (high output)

Eroica LX (low output)

Elite

Legacy

Ethos

ML

MH

Umami Blue

Umami Red

Umami Black

9TT

Kai

Akiko

Blue NS

Purpleheart

Purpleheart Sapphire

Purpleheart NS

IO-M

IO-X

Rosewood Series

Urushi Series

Platinum Series

Stone Body Series

Ekstatik

Kandid

Kendo

Krystal

Koil

Adikt

Atlas λ Lambda

Etna λ Lambda

Lyra Kleos

Delos

Zero

Shilabe

Kansui

Madake

Eminent Solo (Mono)

Eminent EX

Hyper Eminent EX

Ultra Eminent EX

Signature Gold

Signature Platinum

MP-100

MP-110

MP-150

MP-200

MP-300

MP-500

MC X Series

2M series

Cadenza series

Quintet series

SPU Royal N

MC Diamond

MC Verisimo

MC Windfeld Ti

MC 90X

MC A Mono

PP-200

PP-300

PP-500

PP-1000

PP-2000

301 II

501 III

7000

9000

Rainier

Olympia

Moonstone

Amethyst

Blue Point No.3

Starling

TDC01 Dia

R50 Bloom

Ultimate 100

Universe II

Omega

Opus-1 (Stereo)

Opus-1 (Mono)

PC-1 Coda

PC-1 Supreme (Stereo)

PC-1 Supreme (Mono)

MC1 Boron

MC2 Finish

MC1B

EX100

EX200

EX300

EX700

EX1000

EX2000

ART9

ART20

AT-OC9X series

VM95 series

VM500 series

VM700 series

ACE

Glider

Wood

Ruby

LP

LP-S

Concept Series

Performer Series

Artist Series

Virtuoso Series

Maestro V2

Charisma V2

Jubilee MM

Jubilee MC

Diamond Jubilee MC

Talisman V2 Gold

Concerto V2

Stradivari V2

da Vinci V2

Titanium V2

Goldfinger Statement V2.1

DL-103

DL-103R

DL-301II

DL-110

DS-E3

DS-003

DS-W3

DS Master 3

Grand Master

Grand Master Extreme

DV-10X5

DV-20X2

XX-2 MkII

Te Kaitora Rua

XV-1s

XV-1t

JSD Novel Gold

JSD Novel Titan

JSD VM

JSD Pure

JSD 5

JSD 6

HSD 006

HSD SC6

HMD 025

Etsuro Urushi Bordeaux

Etsuro Urushi Cobalt Blue

E series

1000 series

2000 Series

Eroica H (high output)

Eroica LX (low output)

Elite

Legacy

Ethos

ML

MH

Umami Blue

Umami Red

Umami Black

9TT

Kai

Akiko

Blue NS

Purpleheart

Purpleheart Sapphire

Purpleheart NS

IO-M

IO-X

Rosewood Series

Urushi Series

Platinum Series

Stone Body Series

Atlas λ Lambda

Etna λ Lambda

Lyra Kleos

Delos

Zero

Shilabe

Kansui

Madake

Eminent Solo (Mono)

Eminent EX

Hyper Eminent EX

Ultra Eminent EX

Signature Gold

Signature Platinum

MP-100

MP-110

MP-150

MP-200

MP-300

MP-500

MC X Series

2M series

Cadenza series

Quintet series

SPU Royal N

MC Diamond

MC Verisimo

MC Windfeld Ti

MC 90X

MC A Mono

PP-200

PP-300

PP-500

PP-1000

PP-2000

301 II

501 III

7000

9000

Rainier

Olympia

Moonstone

Amethyst

Blue Point No.3

Starling

TDC01 Dia

R50 Bloom

Ultimate 100

Universe II

Omega

Simple Summary

With customisable effective mass between 18g – 30g, the PU8 comfortably covers:

  • Low-compliance cartridges
  • Medium-low MC cartridges
  • Most MM cartridges


In practice, the PU8 is compatible with around 80–90% of cartridges currently available. The effective mass can be tailored during the build process. When ordering, please let us know which cartridge or cartridges you intend to use, and we will optimise the effective mass accordingly. If you are unsure about your cartridge being compatible with the Audio Origami PU8, please email: stephen@audio-origami.co.uk to check.

PU8 Tonearm Specifications...

PU8 Tonearm 9” / 9.45” 12”
Effective Length 9 inches or 9.45 inches 12 inches
Effective Mass Custom from 18g Custom from 24g
Tonearm Type Precision Gimbal Precision Gimbal
Mount Rega / Linn Rega / Linn
Pivot Plate Stainless Steel Stainless Steel
Armtube Constrained Layer Carbon Alloy Constrained Layer Carbon Alloy
Armtube Damping Meta Material Meta Material
Headshell Aluminium Aluminium
Gimbal Housing Stainless Steel Stainless Steel
Bearings Precision Race Precision Race
VTA Adjustable Adjustable
Azimuth Adjustable Adjustable
Anti-Skate Adjustable Adjustable
Internal Wiring Cardas Clear Cardas Clear
Connection Zavfino 5 pin DIN Zavfino 5 pin DIN
Cartridge Tags Zavfino Gold Zavfino Gold
Counterweight Threaded Steel Threaded Steel
Colour Silver / Black Silver / Black
Packaging Cardboard and Foam Cardboard and Foam

9" PU8 Tonearm with - £5950

12" PU8 Tonearm - £6350

Audio Origami do not sell new tonearms directly, we only sell through our carefully chosen dealer network. This ensures that the tonearm you choose matches your cartridge and is perfectly set up.


Please note that if there is no dealer in your country or region, you can buy direct from Audio Origami.

FIND A DEALER

PU8 Tonearm FAQs...

The PU8 utilises high-density materials in the gimbal and mounting collar to effectively dissipate resonance.


Its advanced constrained-layer armtube further enhances performance, offering superior damping characteristics and robust protection for the internal signal path.

The Audio Origami PU8 features a carbon-aluminium composite armtube utilising a constrained-layer design.


This architecture effectively disperses resonant frequencies, preventing mechanical energy from compromising the cartridge's tracking and sonic performance.


While maintaining exceptional rigidity and a low-mass profile, the armtube further shields the internal wiring from vibration, ensuring the integrity of the signal as it traverses the tonearm.

M.M.A.D.S. is a specialised insert designed to decouple the internal wiring from the armtube.


By 'floating' the conductors within the arm, this structure prevents mechanical energy and resonance from degrading the delicate audio signal, thereby ensuring signal integrity.

Delrin is a high-rigidity acetal homopolymer prized for its high internal damping, which effectively dissipates mechanical vibrations as thermal energy.


By utilising Delrin at the gimbal interface, the PU8 isolates the precision bearings from parasitic resonance and provides a structurally damped housing for the armtube connection.

The effective mass of the Audio Origami PU8 is fully customizable to meet a client's specific cartridge requirements at the time of build. In its standard configuration, the PU8 is optimised for cartridges with a compliance range of 5–15 units (10−6 cm/dyne). A comprehensive breakdown of compatible cartridge pairings is provided above.

In its standard configuration, the PU8 is optimised for cartridges with a compliance range of 5–15 units (10−6 cm/dyne).


A comprehensive breakdown of compatible cartridge pairings is provided above.

The PU8 is standard-equipped with Cardas Clear, a benchmark internal conductor known for its exceptional signal purity and low dielectric involvement. While we accommodate bespoke requests for alternative wiring, please note that Audio Origami cannot extend its warranty to third-party or customer-supplied cabling.

The Audio Origami PU8 is available in both Linn and Rega mounting configurations, ensuring seamless integration with the vast majority of high-end turntables.


This dual-format availability allows for near-universal compatibility across diverse armboard designs. If you require verification for a specific turntable model, please contact Stephen at stephen@audio-origami.co.uk for technical guidance.

Geometric parameters shift as tonearm length increases, necessitating precise calibration.


We recommend using a professional-grade instrument, such as the Dr. Feickert Protractor, to accurately establish the required pivot-to-spindle distance and ensure optimal cartridge alignment.

Vertical Tracking Angle (VTA) is easily calibrated on the PU8 by loosening two hex fasteners within the mounting collar.


This allows the base plate to be manually raised or lowered to the desired height.


The mechanism is designed for high efficiency, enabling precise height adjustments in under 30 seconds.

Azimuth is adjusted at the gimbal assembly by loosening two small hex fasteners on the Delrin bearing housing.


This allows for minute rotation of the armtube to ensure the stylus is perfectly perpendicular to the record surface.


We provide a precision headshell bubble level to establish an accurate baseline, though final micro-adjustments should be performed through critical listening to optimise stereo imaging and minimise crosstalk.

While the PU8 will continue to undergo iterative refinements in the years ahead, we are committed to offering an upgrade path for existing owners.


This policy ensures that your purchase remains a future-proof and sound investment, allowing your tonearm to evolve alongside our latest engineering advancements.

The Audio Origami PU8 is designed, machined, and hand-assembled in Scotland. 


To ensure the highest standards of mechanical performance, we source only a select few specialised components from outside the country: our precision-grade Japanese race bearings, high-purity internal conductors, and premium connectors.

While your authorised dealer is typically best positioned to assist with setup and compatibility, you may also refer to the Compatible Cartridge section above for technical data.


If you remain uncertain, please reach out to Stephen directly at stephen@audio-origami.co.uk for further guidance.

While we strongly encourage customers to purchase through our authorised dealer network to ensure expert setup and ongoing support, we recognise that some regions are not yet served by a local dealership.


In these instances, you are welcome to purchase your PU8 directly from Audio Origami.