Magnetar UDP900 MKII
Specifications and features
Overview
The Magnetar UDP900 MKII brings targeted refinements to audio and video processing, with a reengineered disc mechanism and Roon Ready certification that simplifies integration into contemporary setups. Distinguished by the EISA Awards 2025-2026 as the best home theater player, this 15.4 kg device combines versatility with demanding sound quality.
Robust construction and enhanced shielding
The UDP900 MKII chassis is built on a fully double-layer aluminum alloy structure, reinforced by a 3 mm steel plate. This design eliminates unwanted vibrations and isolates components from electromagnetic interference thanks to individual metal shielding for each internal element. Sound-dampening cotton lines the interior to reduce operating noise to a near-imperceptible level. The redesigned optical mechanism now operates with remarkable silence.
The six-layer, gold-plated motherboard integrates JST and Amphenol connectors, while the internal wiring uses high-purity copper conductors. The dual 60-watt power supply is divided into two sections: a switching supply for the digital motherboard and a dedicated toroidal transformer for the analog audio section. Murata capacitors, TDK magnetic components, and NCC electrolytic capacitors complete this carefully selected component chain.
Revamped audio section for the MKII generation
The main evolution of the UDP900 MKII concerns its completely redesigned stereo audio section. Two 32-bit ESS 9038 PRO converters operate in a symmetrical configuration, with balanced XLR outputs delivering up to 6 Vrms. The signal-to-noise ratio climbs to 130 dB on the XLR outputs, while total harmonic distortion plus noise reaches below 0.0005%—a drastic improvement over the previous model (THD limited to 80 dB). Channel separation peaks at 130 dB on XLR.
The dedicated audio HDMI port now features TMDS retiming to correct transmission faults and reduce digital jitter. The XMOS USB Audio input now handles PCM files up to 768 kHz and DSD512, doubling the capabilities of the original model. For multichannel output, a second ESS 9028 PRO DAC processes the eight analog channels (7.1) via RCA outputs. The player natively supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, lossless formats, as well as SACD and DVD-Audio discs.
Advanced video processing and HDR
The 64-bit quad-core MediaTek MT8581 processor handles video processing. Magnetar’s proprietary engine, updated for this MKII version, upscales 1080p sources to 4K (3840 × 2160 pixels) convincingly. DVDs also benefit from this scaling, breathing new life into older collections.
The UDP900 MKII supports HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision, as well as the BT.2020, BT.709, and BT.601 color spaces. The main HDMI output delivers UHD signals up to 60 Hz at all standard frame rates, with a Source Direct mode that bypasses all processing to pass the signal in its purest form.
Comprehensive connectivity and network integration
The rear panel offers full audio connectivity: stereo and 7.1 RCA outputs, balanced XLR outputs, optical and coaxial digital outputs, plus two HDMI 2.0 ports separated for audio and video. This separation optimizes signal routing to a home theater amplifier and a dedicated stereo system.
The two redesigned USB 3.0 ports with isolated power supplies ensure better stability when connecting external hard drives up to 16 TB. The Ethernet port enables network playback via DLNA, SMB, and NFS. The new Roon Ready certification on the MKII allows seamless integration into multiroom audio ecosystems.
Universal compatibility
The UDP900 MKII reads all optical disc formats: UHD Blu-ray, standard and 3D Blu-ray, DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, AVCHD, SACD, audio CD, Kodak Picture CD, plus recordable discs. For digital files, it decodes video containers M2TS, MP4, MKV, MOV, AVI and codecs H.264/AVC, H.265/HEVC, MPEG-1/2/4, VC-1, VP-8, and VP-9. Audio formats FLAC, APE, DSF, AAC, ALAC, and DSD64/128/256 files are supported.
Technical Specifications
Disc Compatibility
- Supported disc types: UHD Blu-ray, Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D, DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, SACD, AVCHD, CD, Kodak Picture CD, CD-R / RW, DVD±R / RW, DVD±R DL, BD-R / RE
Audio Connectivity
- Analog outputs
- RCA 7.1 channel
- RCA 2 channel
- XLR 2 channel balanced
- Digital outputs
- Optical (Toslink)
- Coaxial
- HDMI
- Supported audio formats
- PCM up to 7.1 channel 192 kHz
- DSD up to 5.1 channel
- Bitstream (Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, etc.)
Video Connectivity
- HDMI output compatible
- UHD 23.976 / 25 / 30 / 50 / 59.94 / 60 Hz
- 1080i / p
- 720p
- 576i / p
- 480i / p
- Source Direct Mode
Audio Performance
- Stereo analog audio
- Frequency response: 20 Hz – 50 kHz (±0.01 dB)
- Signal-to-noise ratio: ≥ 120 dB (RCA), ≥ 130 dB (XLR)
- Total harmonic distortion + noise: ≤ 0.0005%
- Output level: RCA ≤ 3 Vrms / XLR ≤ 6 Vrms
- Dynamic range: ≥ 120 dB (RCA), ≥ 130 dB (XLR)
- Channel separation: ≥ 110 dB (RCA), ≥ 130 dB (XLR)
- 7.1 multichannel analog audio
- Frequency response: 20 Hz – 50 kHz (±0.01 dB)
- Signal-to-noise ratio: ≥ 120 dB
- Total harmonic distortion + noise: ≤ 0.0005%
- Output level: ≤ 3 Vrms
- Dynamic range: ≥ 120 dB
- Channel separation: ≥ 110 dB
General Information
- Power supply
- AC 110–120 V / 50–60 Hz
- AC 220–240 V / 50–60 Hz
- Power consumption: < 40 W
- Standby consumption: < 0.5 W
- Dimensions: 445 × 321 × 133 mm
- Weight: 15.4 kg
- Operating temperature: 5 °C – 35 °C
- Operating humidity: 15% – 75%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main improvements of the MKII compared to the previous model?
The stereo audio board has been completely redesigned with a drastic reduction in THD (from 80 dB to over 100 dB). TMDS retiming on the audio HDMI reduces digital jitter. USB Audio rises to PCM768/DSD512 versus PCM384/DSD256 previously. The USB 3.0 ports receive isolated power supplies. The disc mechanism features enhanced noise damping. Internal wiring uses high-purity copper. Finally, Roon Ready certification simplifies integration into modern multiroom systems.
Can the player effectively upscale DVDs to 4K?
The MediaTek MT8581 video engine with Magnetar’s proprietary optimizations converts DVDs to 4K resolution. Upscaling also processes 1080p Blu-rays to 4K. Results depend on the quality of the source material and the TV or projector used, but several independent tests highlight this player’s ability to revitalize DVD collections with improved sharpness.
What is the difference between the two HDMI ports?
The UDP900 MKII physically separates audio and video streams across two distinct HDMI ports. This configuration optimizes routing: video goes to the display or projector, while audio goes directly to the amplifier without passing through the TV. The audio HDMI port includes TMDS retiming to correct jitter. This separation can improve sound quality by avoiding unnecessary signal processing.
Does the player work with all 4K Blu-ray discs on the market?
The UDP900 MKII plays all commercial UHD Blu-ray discs, including those encoded in Dolby Vision or HDR10+. BD-Live certification enables access to interactive content via a network connection. Some particularly recent or atypical discs may require a firmware update for optimal playback, but overall compatibility remains excellent. Regional protections, however, apply depending on the player version (Region A/1 for North America, Region B/2 for Europe).
- Eco-contribution included in the sale price.
