Magnetar UDP900 MKII Universal Disc Player Review

Manufacturer & Model

Magnetar UDP900 MKII Universal Disc Player

MSRP

3,399

Link

https://tinyurl.com/2kead6u4

Highlights

Flagship universal disc player, UHD Blu-ray, Blu-ray, DVD, DVD-Audio, SACD, and CD playback, dual ESS ES9038PRO DACs, balanced XLR and 7.1-channel analog outputs, dedicated audio-only HDMI output, XMOS USB DAC support, dual-layer aluminum chassis with isolated internal architecture, toroidal power supply for analog audio, Sony optical transport, HDR to SDR conversion, 4K upconversion, playback of high resolution USB audio files, Ethernet networking with companion control app

Summary

The UDP900 MKII represents Magnetar's flagship approach to physical media, combining premium construction with broad disc compatibility and serious audio hardware. In this review, we examine everything from build quality, tray operation, loading speeds, and operational noise to real-world playback with CDs, SACDs, DVD-Audio, Blu-rays, Ultra HD Blu-rays, and high-resolution USB audio. We also compare transport performance with competing flagship players to determine whether the UDP900 MKII truly deserves its place at the top of today's universal disc player market.

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Universal disc players are becoming a rare breed. Since OPPO exited the market in 2018 and manufacturers like Samsung, LG, and Reavon have also stepped away, enthusiasts looking for a single player capable of handling CDs, SACDs, DVD Audio, DVDs, Blu-rays, and Ultra HD Blu-rays have found themselves with very few premium options. That makes Magnetar's flagship UDP900 MKII one of the most intriguing components available today. Built around a massive dual-layer chassis, premium audio hardware, and broad physical media support, it's designed for collectors who want one player to do it all.

Of course, flagship status comes with high expectations. Questions surrounding operational noise, tray design, disc loading speed, build quality, and overall usability have followed the UDP900 MKII since its introduction. In this review, we dig into those details with hands-on testing, comparing its transport performance against respected competitors while also evaluating its playback capabilities with CDs, SACDs, DVD Audio, Blu-rays, Ultra HD Blu-rays, and high-resolution USB music files.

We also take a close look at the player's exterior design, internal construction, remote and app control, setup process, and the real-world experience of living with Magnetar's flagship. If you're wondering whether the UDP900 MKII deserves its reputation as today's premier universal disc player, or whether another option might be the better fit for your system, watch the full review below.

If you'd like to purchase a Magnetar UDP900 MKII or UDP800 MKII, or Panasonic's UDP9000P1k, visit our trusted retail partner Value Electronics using the following links:

Magnetar UDP900 MKII: https://tinyurl.com/2kead6u4
Magnetar UDP800 MKII: https://tinyurl.com/4d2468yw
Panasonic UDP9000P1k: https://tinyurl.com/4y7nvpdb

Value Electronics offers the most competitive pricing available, exclusive purchase perks, and nationwide shipping. Orders shipped outside New York State are tax-free where applicable.

Mangetar UDP900 MKII Universal Disc Player Specifications​

General​

• Model: Magnetar UDP900 MKII
• Supported Disc Formats: UHD Blu-ray, Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D, DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, AVCHD, SACD, CD, Kodak Picture CD, CD-R/RW, DVD±R/RW, DVD±R DL, BD-R/RE

Audio Outputs​

• Analog Outputs: 7.1-channel RCA, 2-channel RCA, Balanced XLR
• Digital Outputs: Optical, Coaxial, HDMI

HDMI Performance​

• HDMI Audio: Up to 7.1-channel 192 kHz PCM, up to 5.1-channel DSD, Bitstream
• HDMI Video: UHD 23.976/25/30/50/59.94/60Hz, 1080i/p, 720p, 576i/p, 480i/p, Source Direct

Analog Audio Performance (2-Channel)​

• Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 50 kHz (±0.01 dB)
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: ≥120 dB (RCA), ≥130 dB (XLR)
• THD + Noise: ≤0.0005%
• Output Level: ≤3 Vrms (RCA), ≤6 Vrms (XLR)
• Dynamic Range: ≥120 dB (RCA), ≥130 dB (XLR)
• Channel Separation: ≥110 dB (RCA), ≥130 dB (XLR)

Analog Audio Performance (7.1-Channel)​

• Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 50 kHz (±0.01 dB)
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: ≥120 dB
• THD + Noise: ≤0.0005%
• Output Level: ≤3 Vrms
• Dynamic Range: ≥120 dB
• Channel Separation: ≥110 dB

Power​

• Power Supply: AC 110–120V or AC 220–240V, 50/60 Hz
• Power Consumption: <40W (Standby: <0.5W)

Physical​

• Dimensions (W × D × H): 17.5 × 12.6 × 5.2 in (445 × 321 × 133 mm)
• Weight: 34.0 lbs (15.4 kg)

Environmental​

• Operating Temperature: 41°F to 95°F (5°C to 35°C)
• Operating Humidity: 15% to 75%

 

[Monte920]

I normally do not watch a lot of movies. My main time is spent on listening high quality multi-channel audio through BD player by playing SACD, BD-Audio, DVD-Audio, or multi-channel DSF or FLAC files. Thus, I am focusing on audio sound quality. Currently I use McIntosh MVP-881BR feeding 2 front analog channels to McIntosh C2600 Pre-amp, and using HDMI feeding Marantz AV8802a for the rest of surrounding channels and subwoofer. Through power amps, sound is played by B&W 8 series speakers. But MVP-881BR can't connect network server or USB drive to play DSF or other audio files.

I am thinking to replace with Magnetar UDP900 MKII, yet I have a few questions,

1. There is no question it plays SACD. But I would like to confirm that it does play multi-channel DSF or FLAC files through both network drives and USB drives?

2. If original SACD or DSF files are 5.0 (not 5.1), will the machine send subwoofer signal out either through HDMI or analog output? Do both analog and HDMI sending out signals simultaneously?

3. If for the budget I chose UDP800 MKII, and with front 2 channels feeding to C2600, while HDMI to AV8802a for other channels. Is this way doable? UDP800 has exactly the same sound quality with UDP900 in terms of front 2 channels?

Thanks in advance for your answers!

 

[Todd Anderson]

Hey Monte! Welcome to the forum.

First things first, it sounds like you have a pretty awesome system. What kind of music do you like? Do you have trouble finding multi-channel audio on physical media?

I had to reach out to Magentar to get answers to your questions... they definitely trend into complex waters!

Here's what they had to say. Hopefully it drills down and gives you enough info to make a decision:

I would like to confirm that the UDP900 MKII plays multi-channel DSF or FLAC files through both network drives and USB drives?

Yes, the UDP900 MKII supports multichannel DSF and FLAC playback from both USB and network storage.


If original SACD or DSF files are 5.0 (not 5.1), will the machine send subwoofer signal out either through HDMI or analog output? Do both analog and HDMI sending out signals simultaneously?

For native 5.0 SACD/DSF material, subwoofer output depends on the speaker and bass-management configuration. With speakers configured as Small and a subwoofer enabled, bass below the selected crossover can be redirected to the subwoofer. With the speakers configured as Large, a native 5.0 source remains 5.0.

Analog and HDMI audio outputs can operate simultaneously.


If, for the budget, I chose a UDP800 MKII, and with the front 2 channels feeding to a McIntosh C2600 Pre-amp, while HDMI to Marantz AV8802a for the other channels. Is this way doable? Does the UDP800 have exactly the same sound quality as the UDP900 in terms of the front 2 channels?

With the UDP800 MKII, you can simultaneously connect the stereo analog outputs to the McIntosh C2600 and HDMI to the Marantz AV8802A. We would not, however, recommend treating those as split portions of a single multichannel signal path without considering the separate processing, level and timing of the two systems.

Finally, the UDP800 MKII and UDP900 MKII do not have identical analog stereo audio stages. The 900 MKII incorporates a significantly more advanced dedicated analog architecture, including dual ESS9038PRO DACs and dedicated 2-channel circuitry. The 800 MKII offers excellent analog performance, but the 900 MKII is specifically designed to provide the higher level of analog audio performance.