Magnetar Audio has officially begun shipping its long-awaited MKII Series universal disc players, the UDP900MKII and UDP800MKII. First teased at CEDIA Expo 2025, these heavily refined successors to the award-winning UDP900 and UDP800 are now reaching dealers and customers nationwide โ and they arrive with substantial introductory Black Friday/Cyber Monday discounts.
Both models represent a comprehensive response to real-world feedback from integrators and enthusiasts. Magnetarโs engineering team has focused on four key areas: video processing, analog and digital audio performance, mechanical refinement, and system integration. The result is what the company calls โa new benchmark for reference-grade disc playback.โ
Key Upgrades Across the MKII Line
- A more powerful proprietary video engine delivering improved color accuracy, contrast, brightness control, noise reduction, and upscaling
- Redesigned USB 3.0 ports with isolated power and dedicated hub chips for rock-solid external drive and DAC compatibility
- New sound-dampened optical drive mechanism for quieter operation and higher read accuracy
- Reinforced dual-layer aluminum chassis with enhanced EMI/RFI shielding
- Expanded networking features for future-proof high-end installations
UDP900MKII โ The New Flagship
Priced at $3,299 MSRP ($2,999 during the Black Friday promotion), the UDP900MKII is built for no-compromise two-channel and multichannel systems alike.
At its heart are dual ESS Sabre ES9038PRO DACs โ still the reference chip for many ultra-high-end designs โ combined with full TMDS retiming on the dedicated HDMI audio-only output to virtually eliminate jitter. The XMOS USB audio implementation now supports up to 768 kHz PCM and DSD512, making the player an ideal transport for the largest high-resolution libraries.
UDP800MKII โ Accessible Reference Performance
The UDP800MKII (MSRP $1,799 / Black Friday $1,599) brings almost all of the flagshipโs refinement to a more attainable price point. A completely reworked analog stage built around seven OPA1602 op-amps delivers lower noise and distortion, while precision HDMI jitter reduction and the same upgraded mechanical platform ensure stability that belies its mid-tier positioning.
Limited-Time Introductory Pricing
To celebrate the launch, Magnetar is offering the deepest discounts ever seen on new-generation models:
- UDP900MKII โ $2,999 (save $300)
- UDP800MKII โ $1,599 (save $200)
The promotion runs through Cyber Monday and applies to purchases made directly at magnetarusa.com or through authorized dealers while supplies last.
Availability
Both MKII players are in stock and shipping immediately from Magnetarโs U.S. warehouse and its global network of specialty retailers.
For enthusiasts who have been holding out for the ultimate universal player, the wait is officially over โ and the timing couldnโt be better.
