Magnetar UDP800 MKII

After Oppo’s withdrawal in 2018 and the more recent exit of Reavon, Magnetar remains one of the few manufacturers still offering high-end universal players. The UDP800 MKII succeeds an already well-regarded first model and brings targeted improvements to the audio section, video processing, and mechanical noise reduction. This Hong Kong–based player follows in the tradition of devices the brand has been manufacturing as an OEM for more than twenty years for brands such as Denon and Tascam.

Near-complete compatibility with physical formats

The UDP800 MKII plays all disc formats still in circulation: UHD Blu-ray, Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D, DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, SACD, CD, AVCHD, and even Kodak Picture CDs. It also supports recordable media (CD-R/RW, DVD±R/RW, BD-R/RE). This versatility makes it an ideal replacement solution for owners of eclectic collections who can no longer find a device capable of reading their multichannel DVD-Audio or SACD discs.

On the file side, the player decodes H.264 and H.265 video formats, as well as VP8 and VP9. The more recent AV1 codec is not supported, a limitation tied to the MediaTek MT8581 chip that powers the device. For audio, the list includes FLAC, WAV, AIFF, APE, DSD (DSF/DFF), AAC, ALAC, and MP3.

Video section and HDR processing

The video processing engine has been revised for this MKII version. The device supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and HDR10, with HDR-to-SDR conversion if needed. The BT.2020, BT.709, and BT.601 color spaces are supported.

The main HDMI output delivers a 4K signal (3840 × 2160 pixels) at 23.976, 25, 30, 50, 59.94, and 60 Hz. A “source direct” mode passes the signal through without additional processing, useful for TVs or projectors with strong internal processing. Upscaling of lower-definition sources (DVD, 1080p Blu-ray) to 4K works well, although Panasonic devices still retain a slight edge on this point according to some reports.

The dual HDMI ports allow you to separate the audio and video streams. This setup is useful with older AV receivers that do not support 4K HDR pass-through, or to send audio to a system in another room.

A redesigned audio section with seven operational amplifiers

The audio board has been completely redesigned. It now incorporates seven Texas Instruments OPA1602 operational amplifiers, selected for their low noise and high precision. Two Burr-Brown PCM1795 converters handle digital-to-analog conversion, each dedicated to one channel for better stereo separation.

The measured performance reflects the care taken in the design: signal-to-noise ratio greater than or equal to 120 dB, total harmonic distortion below 0.01%, frequency response from 20 Hz to 20 kHz with ±0.05 dB accuracy. Channel separation reaches more than 100 dB on the RCA outputs and exceeds 120 dB on the balanced XLR outputs.

The HDMI audio output benefits from a TMDS retiming function that corrects jitter (instability of the digital clock). This technology improves the quality of the signal transmitted to an external amplifier or audio processor. The player can output a PCM stream of up to 7.1 channels at 192 kHz or a 5.1-channel DSD stream in bitstream.

Build quality and mechanical noise reduction

The double-layer metal chassis, 1.6 mm thick with a 3 mm steel plate on the bottom, weighs around 8 kg. The brushed aluminum front panel combines matte and glossy areas in a two-tone design. The internal components (drive mechanism, power supply) are individually shielded to reduce electromagnetic interference.

The disc mechanism has been revised for this MKII version. A damping coating and improved isolation reduce operating noise. Measurements carried out by users indicate a sound level of around 30 dB at 30 cm with a disc spinning, compared with 36 dB on the first generation. The difference is clearly audible in a quiet room.

The power supply is based on a low-noise 60 W toroidal transformer, combined with two-stage filtering and Rubycon electrolytic capacitors. Power consumption remains modest: less than 30 W in operation and 0.5 W in standby.

Connectivity and home automation integration

On the back panel, there are two HDMI outputs (separate video and audio), one stereo analog RCA output, one balanced stereo analog XLR output, one optical digital output, and one coaxial digital output. Two USB ports are available: one on the front for USB flash drives, one on the back (USB 3.0) for external hard drives up to 16 TB. The USB 3.0 port has isolated power and a dedicated hub chip, improving stability with storage devices.

Network connectivity via Ethernet provides access to shared files on a NAS via DLNA, SMB, or NFS. The device is Roon Ready certified, enabling automatic connection to the Roon ecosystem for bit-perfect audio playback without complex configuration.

Integration with Control4 and Crestron home automation systems is supported, as is Wake-on-LAN. These features simplify installation in home theater setups controlled by an automation system.

A comprehensive but crowded remote control

The backlit remote control features more than 48 buttons. The lighting button, located on the side, is not immediately intuitive to find in the dark. The light stays on for only a few seconds, which may frustrate some users. Magnetar does not offer a mobile app to control the player. However, the remote works with older Oppo players, a detail that hints at the technical links between the two brands.

The menus provide numerous customization options: video settings (sharpness, brightness, contrast, noise reduction), subtitle positioning, and audio output modes. This wealth of options requires some time to get used to in order to find the settings best suited to your setup.

Technical specifications

Disc compatibility

• Supported disc types: 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

• Symmetrical stereo analog audio output: XLR
• Asymmetrical stereo analog audio output: RCA
• Optical / coaxial digital audio output: 2-channel PCM up to 192 kHz, Dolby Digital, DTS
• HDMI audio output: up to 7.1 channels / 192 kHz PCM, up to 5.1 channels DSD, Bitstream

Video output

• HDMI video output: UHD 23.976 / 25 / 30 / 50 / 59.94 / 60 Hz, 1080 I / P, 720 P, 576 I / P, 480 I / P, direct source mode

Analog audio performance

• Frequency range: 20 Hz - 20 kHz (± 0.05 dB)
• Signal-to-noise ratio: ≥ 120 dB
• Total harmonic distortion + noise: ≤ 0.01%
• Output level
  • RCA: 2.1 ± 0.2 Vrms
  • XLR: 4.2 ± 0.4 Vrms
• Dynamic range: ≥ 120 dB
• Channel separation
  • RCA: > 100 dB
  • XLR: > 120 dB

Power supply and dimensions

• Power supply: 100 - 240 V AC, 50 / 60 Hz
• Power consumption: 30 W (standby: 0.5 W in energy-saving mode)
• Dimensions (W x D x H): 430 x 300 x 90 mm
• Weight: 8 kg

Operating conditions

• Operating temperature: 5 °C - 35 °C
• Supported humidity level: 15% - 75%