SUPATRAC Tonearms

Groundbreaking mechanics. Jaw-dropping musical impact.

SUPATRAC builds tonearms unlike anything else in analog audio. Designed and hand-built in the U.K., each arm rethinks traditional pivot geometry by placing the bearing horizontally and just below the record surface—creating a mechanically simple, highly stable, and extraordinarily expressive platform for cartridge performance.

The result is a tonearm that locks into the groove with speed, grip, and dynamic authority while preserving the delicacy and nuance that make vinyl special.

Backbeat Audio now offers the SUPATRAC reference tonearm in 9”, 10.5”, and 12” lengths. Demo sample coming soon!

Detail view of the SUPATRAC Blackbird tonearm in light gray showing its horizontal uni-pivot bearing and long, rigid arm beam tracking a record on a turntable.

Detail shot of the SUPATRAC Blackbird tonearm base and horizontal unipivot bearing assembly.

Key Engineering Advances

Sideways Uni-Pivot Architecture (SUPA)

A lateral pivot positioned near record height allows the arm to “hang” naturally, improving mechanical grounding and reducing the counter-forces that complicate traditional uni-pivot and gimbal designs.

Torque-Reaction Assisted Contact (TRAC)

As the stylus encounters dynamic passages, groove modulation produces a downward torque that increases contact stability exactly when needed—leading to exceptional bass control and timing.

Rigid, Low-Mass Arm Structure

Dual carbon-fiber tubes bonded for stiffness, with reinforced headshell architecture. The 9” Blackbird configuration weighs in at roughly 10 g effective mass, giving it broad cartridge compatibility.

Flexible Mounting and Geometry

SUPATRAC supports multiple mount standards including Rega, SME, Kuzma, Linn, and Pro-Ject.

SUPATRAC Blackbird tonearm with cartridge, captured in low-angle side view as it plays a record on a high-end turntable.

Listening Character

SUPATRAC’s design leads to standout performance in several areas:

Explosive transient response
Exceptional bass grip and dynamic punch
Precise timing and rhythmic coherence
Low noise floor and strong mechanical stability
Open, transparent midband and well-layered soundstage

Backbeat Perspective

SUPATRAC’s engineering approach fits perfectly with our philosophy: fewer parts, elegant simplicity, and performance grounded in physical principles and innovation. For customers pairing high-resolution tables with boutique cartridges, SUPATRAC unlocks a level of immediacy and engagement that redefines what a tonearm can do.