Magnetar now shipping UDP900MKII and UDP800MKII universal disc players

Home cinephiles are in a spin, as Magnetar confirms that it is now shipping its eagerly awaited UDP900MKII and UDP800MKII universal disc players, following their first appearance at CEDIA Expo 2025.

Designed for home cinema enthusiasts, the MKII Series incorporates engineering refinements based on dealer and integrator feedback, with improvements spanning audio performance, video processing, mechanical stability and system-integration features.

Both the UDP900MKII and UDP800MKII build on Magnetar’s earlier UDP900 and UDP800 models, and remain geared toward those who demand reference-grade playback. The decks support a wide range of physical and digital media, including 4K UHD Blu-ray, Blu-ray, DVD, SACD, and locally stored or networked content.

Central to the MKII update is a strengthened proprietary video processing engine designed to deliver more accurate colour, improved contrast handling, better noise reduction, and cleaner upscaling. Magnetar has also focused on expanding connectivity, with redesigned USB 3.0 ports that feature isolated power supplies and dedicated hub chips to improve the stability of attached storage devices.

Mechanical revisions include a newly engineered, sound-dampened optical drive intended to reduce noise and improve read accuracy, while a reinforced aluminium chassis with dual-layer shielding enhances suppression of electromagnetic interference, an important consideration in complex rack-based installations.

The UDP900MKII flagship integrates the full extent of the MKII platform revisions. At its core are dual ESS 9038 PRO DACs, supported by TMDS retiming on the dedicated HDMI audio output to reduce jitter and preserve fine detail in high-resolution soundtracks. The inclusion of XMOS USB audio processing enables playback of PCM up to 768 kHz and DSD up to 512, extending the unit’s role beyond cinema to high-end two-channel listening. Expanded networking capability has also been added to support more demanding installation requirements.

The UDP800MKII brings a suite of performance-focused updates to Magnetar’s more accessible platform. Its reworked 2.0 audio architecture employs seven OPA1602 op-amps to create a lower-noise analogue path, improving clarity and dynamic control. The player also benefits from precision HDMI jitter correction, upgraded EMI shielding and a strengthened chassis designed to suppress mechanical vibration. Internally, a refined disc mechanism and higher-grade copper wiring support smoother operation and stronger signal integrity. For installers seeking improved performance without the cost of a flagship device, the UDP800MKII provides a meaningful uplift.

US price points, place the Magnetar UDP900MKII at $3,299.99, with the UDP800MKII priced at $1,799.99. Both models are now shipping via Magnetar and its authorised dealer network.