The Magnetar UDP900 is the absolute best universal disc player on the market today, bar none. If a couple of minor rough edges were polished up, it would be a proper OPPO replacement.

If you were to ask me today what my favorite audiophile disc player is, I would have to say the Rotel Diamond Series DT-6000. Sure, the only optical disc type it supports is CD, but I don’t play many discs these days and would use it primarily as a DAC. It’s built well, sounds great, and is an incredible bargain at $2299. However, the cinephile in me needs 4K UHD BD playback in my system and the Magnetar UDP900 is the best widely available A/V disc player with audiophile-quality stereo analog outputs. The Magnetar has sound and build quality similar to high-end audio-only players in its price range and adds 4K UHD BD playback as well as support for both DVD-A discs and SACDs. At $2999, it’s not cheap, but it is what I would buy today if I needed such an optical disc player for my system.

From the extravagant build quality to its myriad features and top-flight audio and visual performance, Magnetar's UDP900 is a Blu-ray player like no other.

The Magnetar UDP900 is fantastic, to the point that it's my favorite disc player ever now.

The Magnetar UDP900 stands out as an exceptional choice for those seeking the pinnacle of home cinema. While its price tag of $2,999 might raise eyebrows, it's important to consider the quality and performance this player offers. For those where budget is a secondary concern to obtaining the best possible media playback available, the UDP900 represents the apex of current market offerings. Its ability to deliver a reference-quality picture, seamless upscaling, and impressive DAC performance places it in a league of its own. Given these attributes, it's our pleasure to award the Magnetar UDP900 with the AVS Top Choice for 2024.

At a glance, some may argued that the MAGNETAR UDP-900’s video performance may not seem to be a day and night difference compared to the PIONEER UDP-LX500, especially in a fast paced or busy scene. However, to me, the ‘improvement in picture quality was there in spade‘ and subjectively, that was all that was matter. In term of movies’ sound quality in all available formats…I would say the presented sound was fuller, clearer, more dynamic and detail. If anyone wants the better physical media player then perhaps one considers the MAGNETAR UDP-900.

This reference 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player doesn’t compromise in any aspect of its build quality, features or performance. There’s a couple of very minor complaints, but in all other respects this superb disc-spinner delivers peerless video and premium analogue audio. It’s very expensive, but anyone looking for ultra-high-end UHD playback you won’t find a better choice than the UDP900.