In today’s consumer electronics landscape, newer is often assumed to be better by default. Product cycles move quickly, features multiply, and buyers are frequently nudged toward upgrades, whether those upgrades meaningfully improve their experience or not.
At Magnetar Audio, the philosophy is different. Rather than pushing customers down a single upgrade path, Magnetar offers two distinct routes to reference-quality performance, each thoughtfully engineered, each uncompromising in execution.
On one path are the original UDP800 and UDP900: mature, proven players that continue to deliver exceptional video and audio performance at a more accessible investment. On the other is the MKII series: Magnetar’s most advanced engineering to date, created for those who value the latest refinements and ultimate system optimization. This isn’t a question of old versus new. It’s about choosing the path that best aligns with your priorities, your system, and how you experience movies and music.
The original Magnetar UDP800 and UDP900 were never designed as short-term products. From the outset, they were engineered as reference-grade universal disc players, built with premium materials, meticulous internal layouts, and performance targets intended to remain relevant well beyond a typical product cycle.
That philosophy continues to hold true today.
These players still deliver:
• Exceptional 4K UHD, Blu-ray, DVD, and CD playback
• Stable, accurate video processing
• Broad disc compatibility across physical media formats
• Audiophile-grade audio performance
• A mature, proven platform known for long-term reliability
Rather than being “outdated,” the original UDP players represent fully realized designs. Their hardware is well understood, their firmware is mature, and their performance remains consistent and dependable; qualities that matter deeply to serious enthusiasts.
For many systems, particularly those already delivering excellent picture and sound, the original UDP800 and UDP900 continue to provide a truly premium experience without compromise.
Performance Where It Matters Most
One of the most compelling reasons the original UDP players remain relevant is how well they perform in real-world home theater and listening environments.
Video playback remains a standout strength. When paired with a quality display or projector, these players deliver clean, detailed images with accurate color reproduction, strong contrast handling, and excellent motion stability. Fine textures, film grain, and subtle mastering details are preserved in a way that allows physical media to shine.
On the audio side, Magnetar’s original designs were created with discerning listeners in mind. Whether used as a digital transport feeding an external DAC or through their own high-quality internal audio stages, these players deliver a refined, musical presentation that continues to hold its own.
For many enthusiasts, the difference between “excellent” and “incrementally more excellent” may not justify a higher investment, and Magnetar recognizes and respects that reality.
Who the Original UDP Players Are Ideal For
The continued appeal of the UDP800 and UDP900 isn’t theoretical, it’s practical. These players are especially well-suited for:
• Home theater owners upgrading from mass-market disc players
• Physical media collectors focused on disc quality over feature expansion
• Buyers seeking premium performance at a more accessible price point
• Systems where the display and audio chain are already well matched
• Enthusiasts who value stability, reliability, and long-term ownership
An original UDP player isn’t about compromise. It’s about recognizing that a thoughtfully engineered product doesn’t lose its value simply because a newer model exists.
The MKII Series: Refinement Through Evolution
While the original UDP players remain exceptional, Magnetar’s MKII series represents the brand’s most advanced engineering to date. Importantly, the MKII models were not created to correct shortcomings; they were created to refine and elevate an already strong foundation.
The MKII series focuses on deeper optimization throughout the player:
• Enhanced internal power supplies
• Further refined analog audio stages
• Improved signal isolation and routing
• Upgraded internal components and layouts
• Increased attention to noise reduction and system synergy
These refinements are subtle by design, but meaningful in execution; particularly in high-resolution systems capable of revealing incremental improvements.
When the MKII Series Makes the Most Sense
The MKII series is best appreciated in environments where every component is optimized to extract maximum performance from physical media. These players are ideal for:
• Audiophiles using high-resolution analog audio systems
• Home theaters built around reference-grade displays and processors
• Enthusiasts who enjoy fine-tuning and incremental gains
• Viewers and listeners who prioritize ultimate refinement
In these setups, the MKII series’ engineering upgrades become easier to hear and see. Improved control, clarity, and composure can translate into a more immersive and effortless presentation; especially during demanding scenes or complex musical passages.
For those who value that final layer of polish, the MKII series represents Magnetar at its most advanced.
Two Paths: Not a Forced Upgrade
A defining aspect of Magnetar’s product philosophy is that it offers choice without pressure.
Rather than positioning the MKII series as a replacement for earlier models, Magnetar presents two equally valid paths:
• Mature, proven excellence versus cutting-edge refinement
• Outstanding performance-per-dollar versus ultimate optimization
• Stability and longevity versus maximum extraction
This approach reflects a deep respect for customers and their investments. Whether someone chooses an original UDP player or an MKII model, they are selecting a product designed with care, intention, and long-term relevance in mind.
Choosing the Right Player for Your Priorities
When deciding between Magnetar’s original UDP players and the MKII series, the most important considerations aren’t found on a spec sheet, they’re personal. Ask yourself:
• Is my current system already delivering the performance I want?
• Do I value proven design and stability over incremental upgrades?
• Am I building toward a reference-level system where refinements matter most?
• Do I prioritize maximum value, or absolute peak performance?
There’s no wrong answer, only the answer that best supports how you experience movies and music.
A Commitment to Longevity
At a time when many electronics are designed around rapid replacement cycles, Magnetar takes a different approach. Every player, past and present, is built to remain relevant, desirable, and capable for years to come.
This philosophy ensures that:
• Products retain real long-term value
• Customers never feel forced into unnecessary upgrades
• New designs build upon previous successes rather than discarding them
• Physical media is honored with the care it deserves
It’s an approach rooted in respect; for the art, the medium, and the enthusiast.
Final Thoughts
Whether you choose an original Magnetar UDP800 or UDP900, or step into the refined engineering of the MKII series, you’re choosing a player built without compromise, designed to honor the full potential of physical media.
The right choice isn’t about what’s newest. It’s about what brings your favorite films and music to life in the way that matters most to you.
With Magnetar, both paths lead to reference quality.
