New magnetar 4k players coming

[Gretiem]

This was posted over at AVSforum so I am just linking it here.

Magnetar is releasing the UDP900MKII and UDP800MKII

https://www.avsforum.com/threads/phy...ayers.3332161/

UDP900MKII

The UDP900MKII takes over as Magnetar’s flaghship model, aiming squarely at reference-grade performance for both video and audio. It features dual ESS 9038 Pro DACs plus TMDS retiming on the dedicated HDMI audio output to reduce jitter and preserve signal integrity.

For high-resolution music libraries, the UDP900MKII supports XMOS USB audio playback with formats up to 768kHz PCM and 512 DSD. Networking support has been expanded as well, and the player is now Roon Ready certified, making it easier to integrate into multiroom audio systems and high-end installations.

Magnetar’s proprietary video processing engine has also been updated which should improve color reproduction, contrast control, brightness handling, noise reduction, and better upscaling across all supported media formats. Structurally, the flagship model now uses a sound-dampened optical drive for quieter disc playback, dual-layer aluminum shielding, and high-purity copper-core wiring with premium JST/Amphenol connectors for more stable and interference-resistant signal paths.

The UDP900MKII will be priced at $3,299.99 and is expected to ship in Q4 2025.


UDP800MKII

While the UDP900MKII takes the flagship role, the UDP800MKII gets its own set of upgrades aimed at home theater fans who want high-end performance without having to spend as much.

The updated design includes seven OPA1602 op-amps for low-noise, high-precision audio output, HDMI jitter correction, and enhanced EMI shielding to keep the signal path clean. A new sound-dampened chassis reduces vibration and drive noise, while improved disc mechanics and internal copper wiring upgrades provide stability and durability over time.

Like the flagship model, the UDP800MKII gets the refreshed video processing engine, Roon Ready certification, and the same USB 3.0 redesign with isolated power supplies for more reliable external device connectivity.

Magnetar has priced the UDP800MKII at $1,799.99, with availability also set for Q4 2025.

Both MKII Series players will be on display at CEDIA Expo 2025 in booth #4137, giving attendees a chance to see the upgrades firsthand. While these prices put the UDP900MKII and UDP800MKII firmly into premium territory, it’s refreshing to see new 4K Blu-ray players arriving at all, especially with physical media becoming increasingly niche in recent years.

[BLMN]

Originally Posted by Gretiem

The UDP900MKII will be priced at $3,299.99 and is expected to ship in Q4 2025.

Sure

[Tim n Tempe]

$3,300 for bargain basement components? No thanks.

[kristoffer]

Very cool and I am just happy somebody is still making new players.
It will be interesting to see what the new video chips will bring to the table!

[Andrew Woo]

Overpriced reference-grade junk again.

[Jodi]

Sweeeeeeeeeeet!!!!

I wonder if prices on the original 800 and 900 might drop in their remaining quantities?

[GODHOOD]

At least new players are being made but as usual I'll wait for reviews.

[Wendell R. Breland]

Just a couple of reference points on price for home theater equipment.

In 1985 I paid ≈ $1,050 ($3,188 in 2025 $s) for my Pioneer LaserDisc player.
In 1997 I paid ≈ $1,040 ($2,100 in 2025 $s) for my Sony DVD player.

I remember thinking when I pre-ordered my Oppo UDP-203 for less than $600 in 2016 something did not add up and I was right. At those prices it was not profitable and they went out of business.

[sherlockjr]

Originally Posted by Wendell R. Breland

I remember thinking when I pre-ordered my Oppo UDP-203 for less than $600 in 2016 something did not add up and I was right. At those prices it was not profitable and they went out of business.

Oppo is very much in business today. But the business they're in is the smartphone and related accessories business--which is also more than 50% of Apple's revenues, and Apple is one of the largest businesses in the world.

Oppo dropped out of the videophile and audiophile businesses they were once in due to shrinking market which meant precipitately declining sales in both the video and audio. It certainly wasn't due to not charging enough for their players!

Oppo is and was a mass market consumer electronics company, not a tiny boutique company hand building their projects in tiny European villages. And they were just about the most expensive mass market video brand.

[sherlockjr]

Originally Posted by Gretiem

This was posted over at AVSforum so I am just linking it here.

Magnetar is releasing the UDP900MKII and UDP800MKII

While these prices put the UDP900MKII and UDP800MKII firmly into premium territory, it’s refreshing to see new 4K Blu-ray players arriving at all, especially with physical media becoming increasingly niche in recent years.

Note that almost all the information they give is about audio DACs and other audio output information, almost nothing about video other than a mysterious "proprietary video processing engine". Almost all the detail given is the kind beloved by the sort of audiophiles that will spend $5,000 on a turntable or mono analog amp.

I'm guessing there will be no visible video quality difference between this and a Panasonic 820 or maybe even a Sony 700. In fact, they're likely using the same MediaTek SoC as the Sony (and Oppo before them). These will certainly drain your bank account, but I suspect what you'll see on your 4K display will look no better than what you'd get if you spent thousands less.

[Foxwing59]

Wonder if it'll also still have options for those other premium upgrade features.

[Deadend45]

Tiny photo to go along with the big price tag. Dont even show the back, the real business end.

[Wendell R. Breland]

IIRC Robert Zohn, who owns Value Electronics, said the Oppo people told him there was no money in Blu-ray players.

Audio Video Processors (AVP) used to have units made by Integra, Onkyo, Yamaha and others but most of those no longer make AVP’s. AVP’s are still available from several manufacturers but be prepared to spend $4,000 and up to get one.

[Jay Mammoth]

No thanks.

[GODHOOD]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5CQm7bDaFsk

[Deadend45]

Originally Posted by Wendell R. Breland

IIRC Robert Zohn, who owns Value Electronics, said the Oppo people told him there was no money in Blu-ray players.

He also said the Panasonic 850 would not be sold in the usa. He was wrong.

[agenda]

^^ I tried to watch that video, but I can't stand that guy and the way he speaks. Absolutely one of the most annoying "salesman" I've seen and heard. He looks like he's been drinking about last three days. Jesus Christ.

[BobSimms]

Is this that brand that was named after that one line in that one Nirvana song? “I’ve been drawn into your magnet tar pit trap…”

[lgans316]

Fairplay to this company for keeping the player market a bit alive but lol at the price.

[danny24]

Glad I held off on buying the 1st gen models. Looks like they have improved the players now. I liked his comments in there about taking the Oppo players to the next level.