Magnetar UDP900 MKII multi-zone
Specifications and features
Overview
The Magnetar UDP900 MKII multi-region positions itself as the flagship of universal 4K Blu-ray players. Designed for cinema and music enthusiasts, this player combines redesigned video processing, dual ESS 9038 PRO digital-to-analog conversion, and full compatibility with discs from all regions. Weighing 15.4 kg, its dual-layer aluminum chassis reflects an uncompromising approach.
A measured evolution from the first generation
The “MKII” suffix is not merely a marketing ploy. This second generation brings targeted improvements based on user feedback. The stereo audio processing has been completely redesigned, with total harmonic distortion improving from 80 dB to over 100 dB. The TMDS retiming function on the audio HDMI output reduces digital jitter, preserving subtle sound details. The XMOS USB audio input now supports PCM up to 768 kHz and DSD up to 512.
The USB 3.0 ports have been redesigned with isolated power supplies and dedicated hub chips. The optical drive benefits from soundproofing work, while internal cabling uses high-purity copper conductors and JST and Amphenol connectors. Roon Ready certification is in progress, facilitating integration into multi-room audio systems.
Chassis and design: 15.4 kg of stability
The UDP900 MKII displays a weight that surprises upon unboxing. Its dual-layer aluminum alloy chassis mechanically isolates components from vibrations and electromagnetic interference. The main elements are individually protected by metal enclosures, creating multiple levels of shielding.
The Sony KEM481AAA optical mechanism is suspension-mounted, decoupling its vibrations from the rest of the structure. 4K Blu-ray discs can spin up to 5000 revolutions per minute, generating significant forces. The decoupling system maintains quiet operation even when playing Ultra HD discs.
The connectivity reveals the player’s ambition: balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA stereo outputs, 7.1 multichannel RCA outputs, dual HDMI output (one for audio and video, one dedicated to audio), optical and coaxial digital outputs, USB-B port for DAC mode, USB 3.0 port, and Ethernet connector. An RS232 port enables home automation integration via Control4 and Crestron.
Dual separate power supply and high-fidelity audio conversion
The UDP900 MKII uses two separate 60 W transformers: a toroidal one for the analog audio section with oxygen-free copper wiring, a second low-noise one for the digital motherboard. This separation prevents interference between analog and digital sections. Rubycon and Murata capacitors and TDK components complete the electrical architecture.
The player employs two separate ESS converters: an ES9038PRO for stereo outputs, an ES9028PRO for 7.1 multichannel outputs. This separation optimizes each circuit for its specific function. Two ultra-low-noise 100 MHz TCXO oscillators ensure increased clock precision for Pure Audio mode.
The measurable performance is impressive: frequency response from 20 Hz to 50 kHz (±0.01 dB), signal-to-noise ratio ≥ 120 dB in RCA and 130 dB in XLR, distortion ≤ 0.0005%, channel separation ≥ 110 dB in RCA and 130 dB in XLR.
MediaTek video processing and 4K upscaling
The MediaTek MT8581 quad-core processor handles video decoding and processing. This circuit features a proprietary Magnetar engine reworked for the MKII version, with improvements to color reproduction, contrast, brightness, and noise reduction.
4K upscaling transforms DVD or Blu-ray content into ultra-high definition 3840 × 2160 pixels at 50/60 Hz, quadrupling the number of pixels. Interlaced-to-progressive signal processing is performed without visible artifacts.
The player supports HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision to take advantage of dynamic metadata. HDR-to-SDR conversion is available for displays that do not support HDR. The BT.2020 (4K), BT.709 (HD), and BT.601 (SD) color spaces are recognized. Source Direct mode transmits the signal without additional processing.
Universal multi-format playback
The UDP900 MKII plays all disc formats: UHD Blu-ray, Blu-ray, 3D Blu-ray, DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, AVCHD, SACD, CD, as well as recordable media. The USB 3.0 port accepts devices up to 16 TB, while the Ethernet port allows access to files on NAS or computer via DLNA, SMB, or NFS.
Video formats MKV, AVI, MP4, M2TS (H.264/H.265 codecs) and audio formats FLAC, WAV, AIFF, ALAC, APE, MP3, DSD64/128/256 are recognized. The USB-B port transforms the player into an external USB DAC for computers, accepting PCM up to 768 kHz and DSD up to 512.
For home theater, the player handles Dolby Digital, DTS, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro 3D, in bitstream via HDMI or after decoding via the 7.1-channel analog outputs.
Multi-region functionality: removing geographical restrictions
The multi-region version allows playback of discs from all DVD regions (1 to 6) and Blu-ray zones (A, B, C). Activation is simple: with the player on and no disc inserted, when the display shows “No Disk,” press Setup then enter “8520.” A context menu appears to select zone and region.
This simplicity contrasts with the complex methods of other players. For collectors with imported discs, this capability proves invaluable. Firmware updates reset the settings; it is recommended to save the configuration to a USB drive.
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 channels
- RCA 2 channels
- Balanced XLR 2 channels
- Digital outputs
- Optical (Toslink)
- Coaxial
- HDMI
- Supported audio formats
- PCM up to 7.1 channels 192 kHz
- DSD up to 5.1 channels
- Bitstream (Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, etc.)
Video Connectivity
- HDMI output compatible with
- 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
- Bandwidth: 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
- Bandwidth: 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 is the main difference between the UDP900 MKII and the previous UDP900 model?
The MKII brings several targeted improvements: completely redesigned stereo audio board with reduced distortion (THD improving from 80 dB to over 100 dB), TMDS retiming function on the audio HDMI output to eliminate jitter, extended USB audio support up to PCM 768 kHz and DSD 512, USB 3.0 ports with isolated power supplies, high-purity copper wiring, JST and Amphenol connectors, and Roon Ready certification. The proprietary video processing engine has also been optimized to improve colors, contrast, and upscaling.
Can the UDP900 MKII be used solely as a USB DAC to listen to music from a computer?
Yes, the USB-B port allows connection of a computer (Mac or PC) and use of the player as an external USB DAC. High-resolution audio files PCM up to 768 kHz and DSD up to 512 are supported. The XLR or RCA stereo analog outputs then connect to an amplifier or preamplifier, taking advantage of the player’s ESS 9038 PRO digital-to-analog conversion. A driver is available on the Magnetar website to optimize compatibility with Windows and macOS systems.
Does the player access video streaming services like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video?
No, the UDP900 MKII does not offer access to video streaming services. It focuses on playing physical media (discs) and digital files stored locally (USB drive, external hard drive) or on the local network (NAS, computer). This orientation toward owned rather than rented content aligns with the player’s philosophy: to offer the best possible quality from sources over which the user has control.
Is the player really quiet in operation?
The suspension-mounted optical mechanism and soundproofed optical drive of the MKII produce very little noise. With a CD or SACD, the rotation sound is barely perceptible even when placing your ear near the chassis. HD Blu-rays remain very quiet, and even UHD Blu-ray discs, which spin the fastest, generate only a slight hum easily covered by the film’s sound. This acoustic discretion represents a notable advantage for home theater installations where the player is placed near the listening area, unlike some entry-level players whose operating noise can distract during quiet passages.
- Eco-contribution of €0.75 included in the sale price.
- GTIN / EAN: 6975436280040
