Magnetar Audio is a company that is still designing premium media players and reference-grade disc playback hardware for physical media enthusiasts and the increasingly large crowd of consumers who simply want to play their Blu-ray Disc collection and no longer own a player in working condition. Specializing in ultra-high-end Blu-ray and universal disc players, the company was formed in 2020 by a group of entrepreneurs who recognized the value of backing an existing manufacturer with extensive OEM experience, having produced physical media players for many top-tier brands for over 20 years.
Recognizing the ongoing demand for ultra-premium disc players — especially after the exit of all major brands — the company focused exclusively on high-end, format-agnostic players for demanding users, filling the void left in the market. As of 2025, Panasonic, Sony, and Magnetar are the only companies left that are still offering UHD Blu-ray Disc players in their portfolio - retaining the capabilities for manufacturing.
Launching at CEDIA Expo 2025, the new Magnetar models – UDP900MKII and UDP800MKII – are a precision-tuned upgrade to the company's existing portfolio of universal media players, engineered specifically for performance-driven installations. The new Magnetar MKII Series builds on the same design of the UDP900 and UDP800 platforms, and introduces significant upgrades and engineering refinements, developed in direct response to key customer and dealer feedback.
According to Magnetar, 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, as well as upgraded audio architecture across both models to ensure cleaner signal delivery, reduced distortion, and more accurate reproduction of high-resolution audio.
Connectivity and integration considerations have also been reimagined for the MKII Series with redesigned USB 3.0 ports (pray for USB-C connectors) 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 cabinet for the precious optical drive, in 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," says 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."
The MKII Series
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 ESS9038PRO DACs, paired with TMDS retiming on the dedicated HDMI audio port to virtually eliminate jitter and preserve every sonic detail. The XMOS USB audio playback now supports formats up to 768kHz PCM and DSD512, while 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.
The slimmer UDP800MKII refines Magnetar's most accessible model with upgrades tailored to deliver elevated performance. Featuring a newly designed audio board 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 also elevate the player functionality, making the UDP800MKII the ideal solution for those seeking reference-level playback performance.
The Magnetar UDP900MKII and UDP800MKII players 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. The MKII Series lineup will be on display at CEDIA Expo 2025 in booth #4137.
www.magnetar-audio.com
