Ahead Stereo

Magnetar Raises the Bar: Introducing the UDP800MKII and UDP900MKII Universal Players

Phil Werbin

Magnetar has solidified its reputation among serious home theater enthusiasts by delivering premium, high-performance universal disc players. Now, they've just announced their new flagship models: the UDP800MKII and the UDP900MKII.

These are not simple updates; they are meticulously engineered machines designed for audiophiles and videophiles who demand the absolute best from their physical media, from 4K Blu-rays to SACDs.

Magnetar UDP800MKII: The High-Performance Universal Player

The UDP800MKII is the new standard for the high-performance enthusiast. It builds on the success of the first generation with significant upgrades to its video processing, audio stability, and build quality.

Video & Processing:

  • Stunning 4K Video: Supports 4K UHD Blu-ray and provides breathtakingly vivid picture quality with support for Dolby Vision and HDR10+.

  • Powerful Core: Powered by a quad-core MediaTek MT8581 processor.

  • Upgraded Video Processing: Features proprietary Next Gen Magnetar Intelligent Video Processing.

Audiophile-Grade Audio:

  • High-Fidelity DACs: For pure audio playback, it uses a 4-layer PCB with independent wiring, equipped with two Burr-Brown PCM11795 DACs.

  • Clean Analog Output: Features dedicated stereo XLR balanced and RCA unbalanced outputs.

  • Jitter Reduction: A new TMDS retiming function on the HDMI Audio port effectively reduces jitter, providing richer sound details.

  • Hi-Res Audio Support: Fully compatible with DVD-Audio and SACD discs.

  • Robust Power: Equipped with a custom 60W high-power, low-noise transformer with a two-stage filter and Japanese Rubycon electrolytic capacitors.

Build & Connectivity:

  • Solid Chassis: Built with a high-rigidity metal body, a double-layer chassis structure, and internal components shielded by metal casings to reduce interference.

  • Upgraded Internals: Uses upgraded copper-core wiring and premium JST/Amphenol connectors.

  • Enhanced Networking: Features improved networking via DLNA, SMB, and NFS protocols.

Magnetar UDP900MKII: The No-Compromise Reference Player

The UDP900MKII is Magnetar's ultimate reference-level player. It takes the solid foundation of the 800MKII and elevates every component to the extreme, with a primary focus on uncompromising analog audio performance and build quality.

Reference-Grade Audio:

  • Flagship DACs: The audio system is fully redesigned, upgrading to dual ESS9038PRO D/A decoders—one for 7.1 channel output and one for the dedicated stereo output.

  • Extreme USB Audio: The XMOS USB Audio input is upgraded to support sample rates up to PCM768 and DSD512.

  • Superior Internals: Uses a 6-layer gold-immersion main PCB and 4-layer audio boards with independent wiring.

  • Full Analog Output: Provides both 2-channel XLR/RCA and 7.1-channel RCA analog outputs.

Flagship Build & Power:

  • Dual Power Supply: Features a sophisticated dual-power-supply system. A high-power switching supply runs the digital main board , while a separate 60W toroidal transformer is dedicated only to the analog audio section to maximize audio quality.

  • Massive Build: The chassis is made from an all-aluminum-alloy body with a double-layer structure and internal shielding. This robust build brings the player's weight to a massive 15.4kg (33.95 lbs) , compared to the 800MKII's 6.8kg.

Upgraded Video & Drive:

  • Next-Gen Processing: Integrates proprietary Magnetar Next Gen Intelligent Video Image Processing.

  • Quieter Playback: Features a redesigned optical drive for reduced noise and improved disc reading stability.

Which One Is Right For You?

  • Choose the UDP800MKII if... you are a serious home theater enthusiast who wants a high-performance, universally compatible player. It delivers stunning 4K video and superb audiophile-grade 2-channel analog output in a robust, high-quality package.

  • Choose the UDP900MKII if... you are a purist who accepts no compromises. The massive upgrades—including the flagship ESS9038PRO DACs , the dedicated 60W toroidal transformer for analog audio , the 7.1-channel analog outputs , and the incredibly heavy all-aluminum chassis —make it the definitive reference player for the ultimate audio and video experience.

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