The Roksan Pug Tonearm, released in 2015, was a striking addition to the turntable arm market, designed to fill a mid-priced gap and replace the long-standing Tabriz tonearm. With advanced materials and intricate engineering, the Pug showcased Roksan’s commitment to innovation. Its carbon fibre arm tube provided superior rigidity and lightness compared to traditional aluminium, offering improved sonic performance and durability.

What set the Pug apart was its polished brass, magnesium, and aluminium components, which were chromed, anodised, and finished to perfection. This resulted in not only a robust tonearm but also one that exuded luxury and quality. The unique design allowed for fine-tuning, with easily adjustable VTA and azimuth, and a well-thought-out counterweight system that enabled precise adjustments based on cartridge weight.

In terms of sound, the Pug delivered clarity, focus, and detail, with impressive separation across the frequency spectrum. Paul Rigby’s review praised its ability to extract intricate details from piano pieces like Bruce Brubaker’s Mad Rush while retaining focus and avoiding upper-mid blur. Even with the dynamic range of rock tracks like Electric Light Orchestra's First Movement, the Pug handled each instrument with precision, giving space for the acoustic guitar and bass-laden cellos to shine.

Though aesthetics may not have been its strongest suit, the Pug’s nickname, likened to the charming yet unconventional appearance of the dog, was embraced by Roksan's head, Tufan Hashemi. It may not have been the prettiest arm on the market, but its performance was undeniably outstanding.