Magnetar Unveils Two Blu-ray Powerhouses for Audiophiles with MKII Players

Magnetar's new MKII Blu-ray players bring upgraded audio-visual performance and build quality, redefining home theater for true audiophiles.

When it comes to physical media, the whispers of its demise have been going on for years. Yet here we are, witnessing the birth of brand-new Blu-ray monsters designed especially for audiophiles by Magnetar. If you’re like me—a fan of crisp, rich sound and stunning visuals—these MKII players might just be the next holy grail for your media setup.

Stepping Up the Game: Magnetar’s MKII Series

Magnetar recently announced its universal media player series MKII, unveiling major updates for the widely respected UDP900 and UDP800 platforms. These models, the UDP900MKII and UDP800MKII, come packed with enhanced audio processing, refined video engines, and upgraded build quality, all crafted in response to passionate feedback from customers and dealers alike.

Both players support a broad array of formats, including 4K UHD, Blu-ray, SACD, and network media playback, catering to just about every media format a home enthusiast might throw at them.

A cool touch is the revamped proprietary Magnetar video processor that optimizes color reproduction, contrast, brightness, and noise reduction—ensuring images leap off your screen with vivid realism.

On the audio front, the architecture has been reworked to deliver cleaner signal paths, lower distortion, and more accurate high-res audio playback. If you’ve ever been frustrated by background noise or muddled sound in pricey players, these improvements could be a game-changer.

Physically, the players now boast USB 3.0 ports with isolated power sources and dedicated hub chips, making connections to external devices smoother and more stable. Add in sound-absorbing optical drives for silent, precise disc reading, and you’ve got a design that’s both elegant and functional.

Built to Endure: Design Enhancements for Audiophile Quality

Magnetar didn’t stop at internal upgrades. The chassis incorporates dual-layer shielding to suppress electromagnetic interference, while the internal wiring uses high-purity copper conductors alongside premium JST/Amphenol PCB connectors.

This attention to detail means less noise, longer-lasting components, and a sturdier player that’s ready for the rigors of heavy use.

The Flagship: UDP900MKII – Audiophile’s Dream

At the top of the range sits the UDP900MKII, which boasts a revamped audio system with dual ESS 9038 PRO digital-to-analog converters. This is serious hardware that promises crystal-clear sound reproduction.

One standout feature is the TMDS resynchronization on a dedicated HDMI audio port. For those who geek out on jitter reduction and audio fidelity, this ensures less signal distortion and preserves every subtle detail in your music or film soundtracks.

For USB audio playback, the UDP900MKII supports formats up to 768 PCM and 512 DSD, appealing to high-resolution music libraries. Network-wise, it incorporates extended capabilities and is certified Roon Ready—meaning it’ll integrate seamlessly into modern, high-end audio systems.

While we eagerly await user reviews to validate these claims, it’s already earned the prestigious title of Best Disc Player for Home Theater at the EISA Awards for 2025-2026. That’s no small feat!

The Enthusiast’s Pick: UDP800MKII

For those who want top-tier performance without the flagship price, the UDP800MKII is a compelling choice. It sports seven OPA1602 operational amplifiers, delivering low-noise, high-precision sound processing. This model also features accurate HDMI jitter correction and improved electromagnetic shielding.

The noise-dampening chassis reduces vibration, while upgraded disc mechanics and copper wiring enhance stability and durability—perfect for long listening sessions and marathon movie nights.

Like the UDP900MKII, the UDP800MKII offers improved network functions and carries the Roon Ready certification, ensuring your streaming and music server integration is flawless.

Availability and Pricing

The MKII series will hit authorized Magnetar dealerships and distributors in the fourth quarter of 2025. In the United States, the UDP900MKII is set at around $3,300, while the UDP800MKII will retail for about $1,800.

Exact pricing and release dates for the UK and Australia remain under wraps for now.

Both models will make their debut at the CEDIA Expo 2025 in Denver, Colorado, booth 4137—a perfect opportunity for audiophiles and home theater buffs to get hands-on impressions.

"The format is dead, but the players keep coming: Magnetar unveiled two new Blu-ray monsters for audiophiles."

— Magnetar Announcement

The rise of these new Magnetar Blu-ray players reminds us that despite the digital streaming revolution, physical media still holds a cherished spot for those who crave superior audio and visual experiences. The MKII series is more than just hardware; it’s a love letter to sound and image quality that streaming services just can’t match.

Are you ready to elevate your home cinema and music playback to the next level? Which of these Blu-ray beasts would you welcome into your setup?

FAQ

• What formats do the Magnetar MKII players support?
  Both UDP900MKII and UDP800MKII support 4K UHD, Blu-ray, SACD, and network media playback.
• What makes the UDP900MKII the flagship model?
  It features dual ESS 9038 PRO DACs, TMDS resynchronization on a dedicated HDMI port for jitter elimination, and supports ultra-high resolution audio formats.
• Are the MKII players suitable for network streaming?
  Yes, both models have enhanced network capabilities and are certified Roon Ready for seamless integration.
• What improvements have been made to reduce noise and vibration?
  They include sound-absorbing optical drives, dual-layer electromagnetic shielding, noise-dampening chassis, and high-purity copper wiring.
• When will these players be available and at what price?
  Expected in the fourth quarter of 2025, with prices around $3,300 for the UDP900MKII and $1,800 for the UDP800MKII in the US.

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