Magnetar, a leading provider of premium media players and reference-grade disc playback hardware for audiophiles and cinephiles who demand uncompromising performance, today announced the debut of its MKII Series universal media players. The new models UDP900MKII and UDP800MKII deliver a precision-tuned upgrade to Magnetar’s existing portfolio of award-winning universal media players, engineered specifically for performance-driven installations.
Next-Level Performance for Audiophiles and Cinephiles
Building on the award-winning UDP900 and UDP800 platforms, the new MKII Series introduces significant upgrades and engineering refinements, developed in direct response to key customer and dealer feedback. Together, these enhancements elevate Magnetar’s universal media players to new heights in audio fidelity, video performance, and system integration capabilities.
The UDP900MKII and UDP800MKII are purpose-built to support virtually every physical and digital format under one roof 4K, UHD, Blu-ray, SACD, stored/networked media with reference-level video processing and elite audio performance. Series-wide enhancements include a new refresh to the proprietary Magnetar video processing engine, optimizing color reproduction, contrast, brightness, and noise reduction with improved upscaling, setting a new bar in ultra-premium picture quality across all supported media formats. Additionally, an upgraded audio architecture across both models ensures cleaner signal delivery, reduced distortion, and more accurate reproduction of high-resolution audio.
Enhanced Connectivity and Build Quality
Connectivity and integration considerations have been reimagined 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. Structurally, both models feature a newly engineered sound-dampened optical drive for quieter, more accurate disc reads, a robust aluminum chassis with dual-layer shielding to suppress EMI, and upgraded interior wiring with high-purity copper-core conductors and premium JST/Amphenol PCB connectors for more reliable and higher-quality interference-resistant connections.
“With the new MKII Series, we’ve raised the standard for universal media playback while honoring the passion of integrators and enthusiasts who continue to value physical and high-resolution media,” said Rob Jones, President, Magnetar North America. “These players bring unmatched performance, reliability, and integration flexibility to the table, reaffirming Magnetar’s role as the go-to choice for premium home theater systems.”
UDP900MKII – The Flagship
The UDP900MKII is Magnetar’s latest flagship offering, delivering reference-grade performance across all formats. At its core is a redesigned audio processing system featuring dual ESS 9038 PRO DACs the industry’s most advanced digital-to-analog converters paired with TMDS retiming on the dedicated HDMI audio port to virtually eliminate jitter and preserve every sonic detail. Advanced XMOS USB audio playback supports formats up to 768 PCM / 512 DSD, ensuring flawless reproduction of high-resolution music libraries. Further refinements to the flagship model include expanded networking capabilities and support for Roon Ready certification, ensuring it meets both current and future demands of high-end installations. This commitment to excellence was recently recognized by the EISA Awards, with the UDP900MKII named the best home theater disc player for 2025 – 2026.
UDP800MKII – Performance-Tuned for Enthusiasts
The UDP800MKII refines Magnetar’s most accessible model with upgrades tailored to deliver elevated performance for cinephiles and enthusiasts. Featuring a newly designed 2.0 audio offering incorporating seven OPA1602 op-amps for low-noise, high-precision audio, precision HDMI jitter correction, and enhanced EMI shielding, the player ensures cleaner, more accurate sound. An upgraded sound-dampened chassis suppresses vibration for quieter operation, while improved disc mechanics and copper wiring upgrades bring stability and durability. Networking refinements, such as support for Roon Ready certification, elevate the player’s functionality, making the UDP800MKII the ideal solution for those seeking reference-level playback performance without stepping into flagship territory.
Pricing and Availability
The Magnetar UDP900MKII and UDP800MKII are slated to begin shipping in Q4 2025 and will be available through Magnetar’s authorized dealer and distributor network. MSRP for the UDP900MKII is $3,299.99, and MSRP for the UDP800MKII is $1,799.99.
