Magnetar has unveiled a new generation of Blu-ray players that are capable of playing all previous optical disc formats. The UDP900MkII and UDP800MkII models are perfect for those who wish to experience their digital movie collections in the highest quality, providing superior resolution compared to streaming services like Netflix. Shipping is anticipated to commence in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Magnetar Audio continues to manufacture premium media players and optical disc playback devices. In spite of the growing popularity of streaming services, many consumers still possess collections of optical discs, and utilizing these discs can deliver better picture and sound quality than what streaming services can provide.
Founded in 2020 by a group of entrepreneurs, Magnetar Audio specializes in ultra-high-end optical disc players. The founders recognized the importance of collaborating with an established manufacturer that has extensive OEM experience, having produced physical media players for numerous top brands for over two decades. Acknowledging the ongoing demand for high-quality players, particularly following the exit of all major brands from this sector, the company dedicated itself to creating high-end, format-independent players for discerning users, effectively addressing the gap in the market. By 2025, Panasonic, Sony, and Magnetar will be the only companies still offering UHD Blu-ray Disc players in their product lines.
Magnetar UDP800MkII and UDP900MkII
Magnetar’s new UDP900MKII and UDP800MKII models, launching at CEDIA Expo 2025, are carefully crafted enhancements to the company’s existing portfolio of universal media players, specifically designed for performance-oriented installations. Building on the same design as the UDP900 and UDP800 platforms, the new Magnetar MKII series introduces significant improvements and technical refinements, developed in direct response to important customer and dealer feedback.
According to Magnetar, the UDP900MKII and UDP800MKII are specifically designed to support virtually every physical and digital format under one roof, including 4K, UHD, Blu-ray, SACD, and stored/network media, with reference-level video processing and superior audio performance. Series-wide improvements include a new update to Magnetar’s proprietary video processing engine, which optimizes color reproduction, contrast, brightness, and noise reduction with enhanced upscaling. This raises the bar for ultra-premium picture quality across all supported media formats. The audio architecture of both models has also been improved to ensure cleaner signal transmission, reduced distortion, and more accurate reproduction of high-resolution audio.
Connectivity and integration have also been redesigned for the MKII series, with redesigned USB 3.0 ports featuring isolated power supplies and dedicated hub chips to improve compatibility and stability with external devices. Both models feature a newly designed, noise- and vibration-dampening chassis as the foundation for the drive, housed in a robust aluminum enclosure with double-layer shielding to suppress EMI, and improved internal wiring featuring high-purity copper conductors and premium JST/Amphenol PCB connectors for more reliable, high-quality, interference-resistant connections.
Magnetar UDP900MkII: the new flagship
The UDP900MKII is Magnetar’s latest flagship model, delivering reference-level performance with any optical disc inserted. At its heart is a revamped audio processing system featuring dual ESS9038PRO DAC chips, combined with TMDS retiming on the dedicated HDMI audio port to virtually eliminate jitter and preserve every sonic detail. XMOS USB audio playback now supports formats up to 768kHz PCM and DSD512, while further enhancements to the flagship model include expanded networking capabilities and support for Roon Ready certification, ensuring it meets both the current and future demands of high-end installations.
Magnetar UDP800MkII
The slimmer UDP800MKII refines Magnetar’s most accessible model with upgrades specifically designed for enhanced performance. Featuring a newly designed audio circuit board with seven OPA1602 operational amplifiers (op amps) for low-noise, high-precision audio, precise HDMI jitter correction, and improved EMI shielding, the player guarantees cleaner, more accurate sound.
The improved damped enclosure suppresses vibration for quieter operation, while upgraded drive mechanics and copper wiring ensure stability and durability. Networking enhancements such as support for Roon Ready certification enhance the player’s functionality, making the UDP800MkII the ideal solution for those seeking reference-level playback performance.
Magnetar UDP800MkII and UDP900MkII: pricing and delivery information
The Magnetar UDP900MKII and UDP800MKII players are expected to ship in the fourth quarter of 2025 and will be available through Magnetar’s authorized dealer and distribution network. Pricing has yet to be announced.
