Magnetar UDP800 Universal Disc Player Review - Full review and Oppo comparison

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About this review:
This video is for Audio & Videophiles that care about the best quality in sound and vision and others interested in what they are missing out on, when it comes to audio & video quality on streaming services. Yes.. we are talking about the better experience here - The DISC!
Meet the Magnetar UDP800, a universal disc spinner that will play all disc formats - and is built on the legendary OPPO platform that have been undisputed kings even after the company was shut down in April, 2018. To this day, nobody has been able to pull them down from the throne.
Stjernholm Reviews sets out to find out if the UDP800 is up for it and what it might do better and worse. This is the no mercy review that the channel is known for. We work in the favor of YOU and not the AV business.
Strap in tight to soak it all up… because the Magnetar UDP800 that I review here has a lot to offer the shiny disc in 2023 - and this review will be...well....JUICY to say the least!
Link to Shane Lee`s review of the REAVON player mentioned in the review:
• Flagship Status! Reavo...
Shane also have done a review of the Magnetar UDP800, that can be a great watch IN ADDITION to this review: • Magnetar UDP-800 4K UH...
_________________________________
Review Sample was kindly provided by:
Magnetar audio Europe. Visit them here: magnetar-audio.eu/
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HEAR WHAT I HEAR: THE SONIC SNACKS PLAYLIST:
These are varied and challenging tracks I often use for critical judgement, updated continuously and available for your favourite streaming platform. (suggestions for things to include are very welcome!)
linktr.ee/stjernholmreviews
____________________________
CHAPTER INDEX:
(jump around, jump around, jump up, jump up - and get down!)
00:00 - Start
00:39 - OLD MAN RANT
01:06 - Collector love
01:15 - Invention of the CD - The Hero
01:26 - The disc reigns supreme
01:40 - Dont get me started on the sound...
02:14 - Removing a blanket from your head
02:31 - a total lack of respect
02:43 - Bluray discs
02:54 - Deep color
03:10 - SACD format
03:35 - DVD Audio Disc
03:48 - New Releases
04:17 - Favorite movie
04:35 - Political correctness and discs frozen in time
05:05 - Solar panels and constant quality
05:32 - Panasonic UB9000
05:52 - WHO CAN FILL THE VOID?
06:05 - meet the magnetar UDP800
06:30 - Entering the ring
06:46 - Format montage
06:57 - CAN IT DELIVER?
07:17 - Butt-naked in the ring
08:14 - WHO IS MAGNETAR?
08:38 - all we know...
08:45 - DESIGN & FEATURES
10:19 - IP Control for custom installers
10:36 - THE GOOD ABOUT THE MAGNETAR UDP800
11:12 - firmware updates and software version reviewed
12:02 - Plays all disc formats like a....
12:11 - All the bad about the UDP800
12:36 - and screensaver
12:53 - SOFTWARE - The elephant in the room
13:16 - kindergarten bugs!
13:43 - metadata school
14:09 - stuff i found you might miss if coming from a oppo
14:28 - SOUND PERFORMANCE
14:55 - As a CD player...
15:08 - Comparing with external DAC
15:49 - Audio selection
16:28 - VISION PERFORMANCE
16:59 - Movie selection
17:32 - talk to me dad...
18:38 - visual performance reminded me of stuff like...
19:13 - CONCLUSION - in my opinion
20:31 - it's important you..
21:06 - system installers...
21:24 - Exclusive glimpse of the future of Magnetar
21:56 - Check alternative on Shane Lee channel
22:07 - Pros & Cons
22:28 - Review Score
22:35 - Multiviewer
22:51 - What's next?
Morten Stjernholm & Free ApS do:
AV Space: Independent AV therapy consulting, AV solutions advisor, installation project managing, AV journalism, consumer electronics beta testing & development feedback. (working in all of Europe and remote in other parts of the world)
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"The impossible only takes a little more time"
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#cdplayer #4kblurayreview #physicalmedia #hifi

[@michaelalanpowell]

I'm just glad there are still bluray players being made. The more brands the merrier! Physical media...there is no substitute.

[@JordanPhegley]

I would take a 2 hour rant as the next video. Bravo!! Loved every second :D From one physical media nut to another, may the disc live on forever.

[@stjernholmreviews]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@montag4516]

Physical media will continue to be the only way for me. My continuing purchases of mostly smaller label blu ray and uhd discs should be enough in itself to keep them and the formats alive and well. Not merely the discs' content but the packaging, artwork and inserts, booklets and books with many releases are a major draw for me. Ain't nothin' like the real thing! ✔

[@2112Fade2Black]

I have an OPPO-205. Still works Great. I wish they were still making players. If I had the $$$cash I'd get the Magnetar-900...

[@dr.emilschaffhausen4683]

Mine still running strong. I've never had a disc not play or skip that wasn't damaged. I added a nearly silent USB muffin fan to the top of mine where the small amount of heat was being generated to keep it running cool.

[@billstruth1128]

A great video! The channel looks (and listens!) as the place I've been looking for to get insights to available options to my Oppo (203) player - the path to continue access to a large disc library content is a concern that seems to be a shared concern of Stjernholm. So, MUCH thanks to Mr Stjerholm for the effort and thoroughness of this review. I've definitely Subscribed, saved it as a Favorite, and look forward to future releases.😀

[@stjernholmreviews]

Hi Bill. Sorry for a late reply. Thank you for watching the channel. I will follow the available possibilities in the future too.

[@michaelwright1602]

I still use my old Oppo BDP-83 as a transport for my SACDs. I went and bought the Gear Fab digital breakout box, it sends the DSD signal to my Ares II via digital coax, sounds fantastic! Never understood the thinking when Oppo closed their doors on these players. Nice to see someone is picking up the ball. And as usual, great video and presentation!

[@stjernholmreviews]

Thanks for sharing

[@ronaldesmith9098]

TY excellent Video on the Magnetar UDP800

[@stjernholmreviews]

Thank you very much Roland. Hope you had some fun too 🙂 Remember to check Shane Lees review on that player too, He covers some ground I did not. Link in the description to his video! @shane lee

[@matthewhoult1350]

Great video presentation and very informative thank you. It will be very interesting to look and listen to the upcomming Mannetar OPPO 205 contender maybe this one will finally take the crown from OPPO as the best all in one player.I alos love my SACD's so very much looking forward to the upcoming dedicated SCAD payer this sounds very interesting, you must review both of these upcoming players.

[@robertkrebs4192]

I love my Oppo. If money was no issue, I’d have already bought the Magnetar

[@peterschaldemose7861]

Best and most important rant ever !

[@Superdimensional]

searched this player and when the video started i thought it was Batista from Dexter lol

[@ericphillips4369]

😂 exact same thought.

[@stjernholmreviews]

Sounds like I need to check out that show :-). Where can it be seen?

[@BFCINTL]

Glad to see someone so passionate about physical media. What you said about the the political correctness part resonated with me. I bought the most recent blu-ray release for the entire series of 30 Rock, which contains all original episodes. Streaming services have "canceled" and disappeared 4 separate episodes from the series for these reasons.

[@stjernholmreviews]

Yes, it is insane. "To know where to go, we need to know where we have been" Thank you for watching the channel!

[@dmitryzarubov9915]

Thank you for the review Stjernholm! There is actually one more recently announced (and already available) competitor - the Audio Block HD-120. Will be great if you can review this model as well.

[@stjernholmreviews]

To my knowledge, it is not available yet? I also investigated Phanne, they seemed to have disappeared from the earth. Do you know if the HD-120 is built on the mediatek stuff like the pioneer, reavon and Magnetar?

[@dmitryzarubov9915]

Looks like they produced a small batch, and it is already sold out. When I checked their website earlier, it was possible to order the player, but delivery was limited to a handful of European countries. The player is also available for ordering from an online store called Expert-HiFi, but I'm not sure if those guys actually have it in stock. So far I have no clue about the hardware used inside the player, the manufacturer does not disclose this information.

[@dmitryzarubov9915]

Just found this video on KZbin: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHm5e3yCmqejg9U The guy reviews the hardware inside the Audio Block HD-120 player. It is in French, however the Mediatek chip can be clearly seen.

[@stjernholmreviews]

@@dmitryzarubov9915 That is really the essence of the problem. I would hate to embark with a company as "flakey" as that. Players like that needs continuous attention, and ongoing software development.

[@BornIn82]

Awesome review, and a worthy successor to the Oppos since they were discontinued. I wonder what took them so long (patents, maybe?)

[@stjernholmreviews]

A big enough hole in the market.

[@philippusviridi6527]

Great review.

[@stjernholmreviews]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@kenr4540]

Nice video! Do you plan on doing a video on the new Zidoo UHD5000? I would love to know how the 2 players compare especially when it comes to the sound!

[@stjernholmreviews]

Zidoo have never returned any requests, so Ill guest they dont like Honest reviews..? Please do tell them, that you would like to see it reviewed on Stjernholm Reviews!

[@jessechristensen6028]

Magen Towne closes a new model with a 7.1 analog out and the HDR optimizer the panisonic has two combined. This really will be the best of both worlds.

[@billstruth1128]

PLEASE do a review of the REAVON UBR-X200. It would be VERY interested with how you conclude it compares with the Magetar 800. The X200 has a parallel set of discrete multichannel analog outputs which I find highly desirable on my Oppo SE83 and 203 players.

[@neilmarktaylor4386]

I have the reavon the video audio are amazing there are some annoying things about the player you can get some disk vibration on certain disks and updates via usb are a pain in the but I do not update the player as it did nor recognise the update file

[@Abdul..]

I believe you road all the words in the Oxford dictionary to give us a clear description of the product. I will be looking forward to your review of MAGNETAR UDP-900 so I can take my decision.

[@stjernholmreviews]

I will ask for it again :-) They "forgot" me this time, as they may have found the UDP800 review to critical?

[@Abdul..]

I’m nearly to decide to buy the MAGNETAR UDP-800, and according to your review that you’re not satisfied with picture quality, and according to the review of Techno Dad that he was impressed about the picture quality, as he either show us for how good the picture quality during playback. Can you tell us why you’re not satisfied with picture quality of MAGNETAR? Are you using an OLED TV during the playback of 4K Ultra UHD disc? Did you based your review to HDR10 format or Dolby Vision format? I will appreciate your time to answer me. Also, Can you tell us from where to order it? HD Land in Paris, France, that they’re selling the multi region, and they’re willing to deliver internationally. That please confirm from where to buy it? Kind Regards A.b kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXupk39-Yr-aprcsi=qqz4RSR-lkxjG3k7

[@michaelborza734]

Yes, I can see why, but it also makes me think they did not address the said shortcomings? ​I'm late to this review but enjoyed taking it in and plan to follow. Thanks @stjernholmreviews ​

[@Abdul..]

@@michaelborza734 I bought the Cambridge CXUHD instead to move on. MAGNETAR was NOT strong enough in terms of performing the picture quality like the way of Cambridge, because the MAGNETAR shares the power cord with analogies which makes the Cambridge become the best rather than OPPO itself.

[@Abdul..]

I bought the Cambridge CXUHD instead to move on. MAGNETAR was NOT strong enough in terms of performing the picture quality like the way of Cambridge, because the MAGNETAR shares the power cord with analogies which makes the Cambridge become the best rather than OPPO itself.

[@neillumbard7419]

I have to say, I am quite surprised by the comments on picture quality. This player uses the same video chipsets as the Oppo 203/205. I would have hoped/expected identical operation for playback. I wonder if there is a difference in implementation now or if it is the same?

[@stjernholmreviews]

Me too. Remember, that it is totally subjective, on that paticular TV used in the test. Used the same cable and the signal passed though a Lyngdorf MP-60 processor. Thanks for watching the channel!

[@jjchmiel78]

I know the Magnetar is making noise, hence my interest, but I am really happy with my Reavon X200 I got in Aug 2021. Techno Dad did a review comparing to his Oppo 203 and showed the picture to be identical. It plays all the discs. On the media file side of things from avi to mkv, mp3 to flac it plays just fine. I have personally confirmed with my player and mkv files to support chapters and subtitles just fine. My Marantz receiver supports DSD and the player will bitstream via HDMI just fine from both SACD discs and DSF/DFF files. My biggest complaint with the player is when accessing media files the interface is sloooow. I am liking the idea of competition.

[@stjernholmreviews]

Do you find the mediainterface to be slow when using local media from a fast drive?

[@jjchmiel78]

@@stjernholmreviews When going to video or music to access network or USB is fast enough. It is when you are scrolling through folders or files. The more you have, the slowere it is is. Try to acroll to fast and it locks up. Scroll at what I find painfully slow and it is fine. Once you get to your file you want to play it loads the file quickly. It is just that explorer window is soooo slooow. Zappiti explorer I find slow as well but acceptable. My LG B7 OLED explorer window is lightning fast but incompatible or missing features with some of my media files. Reavon plays everything my Zappiti does and even allows DSD of DSF files passthrough over HDMI like the SACD discs themselves. Only thing I found it can't do is dolby vision from a mkv file.

[@stjernholmreviews]

@@jjchmiel78 what if you are doing iso with DV on the reavon? and are you on LAN or wifi to your mediaserver?

[@jjchmiel78]

@@stjernholmreviews no wi-fi on the Reavon. LAN only unless you get a LAN wi-fi adapter. ISO and BDMV folder not allowed with disc players in the US and my player doesn't do. Dolby Vision when played from the disc works just fine. You put in the disc, it auto detects and plays. LG OLED sees it as Dolby Vision. Since I do my disc conversions to mkv to get rid of languages I don't need and special features I rarely if ever visit a second time I wasn't concerned with iso or bdmv. Unless brought up I forget about those. I use my Reavon for first disc watch, sacd/dsd, cd playback. TV for broadcast, streaming, mp3. Zappiti for all my disc rip rewatches. I was hoping when I got a truly single device but that scrolling slowness drove me to insanity and I spent too much on the Zappiti.

[@soulintake]

Ok, so the 4k picture from a uhd may be identical, so how is the upscaling of BluRay and DVDs compared between drives?

[@stefanklein1863]

Great review, hats off! I also like your initial thoughts (old man rant). The player itself, well there´s nothing to add, you said everything. But the design IMO is pretty ugly and the blue logo looks terribly cheap. Remote also looks ugly. I would love to see a Reavon review from you.

[@stjernholmreviews]

Stefan, actually I did not cover everything. Watch Shane Lees new review on it, he covers stuff that actually complements my review and vise versa. Link in the description! Thank you for watching and for the kind words!

[@69Dartman]

I have the Sony x800m2 Universal player and it was 300 bucks retail. It plays everything this does and the video and audio is excellent. I think it is still available and I have DVD Audio and SACD disks and it plays them fine. They also make a 1100es? That is the high end version that has a display and some extra features. If you don't have or don't want to pay what they want consider the Sony offerings. Good review and I might have considered a OPPO but now the prices have gotten stupid and the clones aren't any cheaper.

[@user-mp5xk46zq1j-io5-]

Considering the threads on European specialized forums this player (and other Chinese clones) does not seem to interest anyone. It seems that the price asked blocked everyone, including the richest, who are not the dumbest...

[@stjernholmreviews]

Production numbers + demanding cinephiles?

[@user-mp5xk46zq1j-io5-]

@@stjernholmreviews Probably. Another decisive point: The manufacturing of blu-ray/ DVD could stop in the next few years.

[@stjernholmreviews]

@@user-mp5xk46zq1j-io5- Well, that depends on the collectors! I think that prices will go up, but the discs will be even better, if it is only the quality oriented cinephiles that will buy discs. We need a MUCH better and consistent alternative in order to abandon the disc. The big companies might not bother, but smaller specialist companies with passion will license movies to release on disc. Some of the old movie stuff we see released are just so awesome. Great extras, amazing restorations, new refreshed dolby atmos mixes bringing classic movies to a new audience. I think the physical media has a long way to go still. I still encounter loads of stuff that I cant find on streaming services due to all kinds of rights bullshit, but can be picked up on CD sounding fantastic. So many movies are not available on streaming too.

[@user-mp5xk46zq1j-io5-]

@@stjernholmreviews I agree about old movies. About new movies, they are so poor that people people will download or use streaming. More consumption, more zapping, less quality scripts... All this will kill the physical medium which has been declining for years. It is the quality of the films that will bring the durability of the solid support, not the blu-ray player !

[@altodomino7859]

Can the Magnetar remote control the TV volume?

[@mikewinburn]

nice work. (when you get the UB900 (:)) how about using video test discs for objective results on image quality and performance versus the oppo 203 or 205 (if you have one)) i heard the UB900 is using the ESS SabrePro ES9038PRO versus the pretty good Burr-Brown DACS, so, for a chip DAC, i would think the sound quality would be better on the UB900. (The ES9038PRO wasn't available when OPPO reigned, so the audio quality of the 900 should clearly be the winner.)

[@stjernholmreviews]

Its hard to say, as DAC chips are just as much about the implementation of them and all the surrounding circuits. I got both 203 and 205. Thanks for commenting and watching!

[@mikewinburn]

True that!

[@vancybergoth]

The MAGNETAR UDP 900 has recently been announced and is said to cost €3000. I'm still happy with my Panasonic DP-UB9000, but there are occasional minor problems with CD playback.

[@stjernholmreviews]

Paul, yes. That is the prototype i cover briefly in the video. It will be interesting to check out. In regards to your Panasonic: Are you encountering those issues with burnt CDs?

[@jacobneumann5021]

Those Panasonic players are shit. I've had 2 in 4 years and both began having issues after a year.

[@xavierbonnave9044]

@@jacobneumann5021 Same for me... One Panasonic UB820 and two Panasonic UB9000. All can't read UHD blu ray after a year (warranty)

[@brucemargolin3986]

Tried minimserver to play dsf files and unable to fully load my files. No problems with OPPO bdp105

[@stjernholmreviews]

Yes, they still needed some work on the network playback with some formats. Have you tried playing the same files from a local storage? Thank you for watching the channel!

[@altodomino7859]

Does this player make any sound during playback? How does it compare with with the Panasonic ub9000, which is dead silent?

[@stjernholmreviews]

Yes it does. Very silent mechanism. Did not compare them side by side though. Thank you for watching the channel!

[@dr.emilschaffhausen4683]

Dear Oppo. Please come back. Please!

[@mikereilly7760]

Hi do you know when the magnetar udp 900 will be released .will the magnetar udp 900 have better 2 channel analog.

[@stjernholmreviews]

we will hear! 😁

[@montag4516]

My Oppo-203 (with region free blu ray kit added) went wonky on me recently and can no longer properly handle reading 4k discs as well as some menu reading problems on blu ray discs. No amount of reset or troubleshooting yet has provided a cure. How well do you think the 203 would work running an external 4k player into it's input? Would I be able to utilize the 203 processing and audio benefits (including analog outputs) when used in the middle of the signal chain? I'm at a decision dilemma of what my best fea$ible option(s) may be. I'd send the 203 to Oppo for servicing if they still do repairs/servicing. I could purchase/install a new laser unit for it but that's obviously not the problem. I also have an Oppo BDP-103 (with region free hardware) that works great but those weren't built with 4k abilities to begin with.

[@stjernholmreviews]

Thats always a tough one. What features do you use on the 203?

[@Kurtonebay]

I think the Magnetar UDP900 and it's software upgrades deal with your Complaints. Are you going to review the Magnetar UDP900?

[@stjernholmreviews]

I would like to, Yes. But since the 800 review was considered critical, they have not been busy returning requests.... will ask again.

[@jessechristensen6028]

I have few things I’m looking for on a player. Can it play the following 4K uhd, 3D blu ray, SACD, dvd audio, HDcd’s . Is there an option for hack to make it a region free and cannot like the panisonic players have a button on the control to play with hdr settings on the fly.

[@alancross7917]

Hi Jesse, I saw on a Magnetar official website, listed under “Where to buy?” A link takes you to a second website for a US SALES OFFICE (I believe it’s a brick and mortar based in Florida) where you have the option of ordering a Region Free version of the player for an additional $99. Just FYI.

[@stjernholmreviews]

See, that is the community service to each other I am looking for. Five stars to you, Alan!

[@Alyxandr]

oooo What is the song used at the very end of the video?

[@stjernholmreviews]

Hello Alyxandr. Thank you for commenting! Kind of you to ask. What you hear is the track "Så`Jeg Færdig" from the album "Me`På Den Værste" from 1998 by artist Q, produced by yours truly: Spotify link to album here: open.spotify.com/album/6tfYUZPaLrXYiTBUUqClmT?si=R4LJo7UPQwO4qwbjD6jlTQ. Instrumentals available on soundcloud (you might like some of the other dope tracks 🙂) soundcloud.com/djsvendbreak/sets/q-rare-instrumetals-1998

[@benjaminjensen7402]

Jeg giver dig100procent ret i din anskuelse af fysiske disc formater. Well Said sir.

[@joblo4216]

hey when you doing the 900,holm?

[@stjernholmreviews]

When I get one. The european distributor … Do write them and ask for a Stjernholm review. 👍

[@scottmuhlbaier1945]

No.. because no one else can figure out the most important feature of the Oppo players... The freaking HDMI inputs! For someone like me who only has an analog system, that is an absolute godsend. This may have Oppo menus and even font...his is also missing multi-channel analog out, USB DAC, variable audio to use as a preamp, and uses the ancient PCM 1795 DAC. There's one extremely nice feature about this though. At the moment it apparently can NATIVELY handle that elusive file format that begins with an "I"... which could be a big deal to a lot of people. The real eye-opening part of the video was the sneak peek at the 900 because that's the one that's going to take on the king 205 as I noticed analog audio out and USB DAC input. Still no freaking HDMI input though!!

[@stjernholmreviews]

Scott, very good points. What are you using the HDMI input for on your analog system?

[@scottmuhlbaier1945]

@Stjernholm Reviews ...although it's currently not hooked up now, the most obvious use is a next-gen PS5/Xbox X video game system into the awesome Oppo 205 processing. Plus my TV is one of the last 3D TVs & only runs ARC--which of course cannot send true lossless audio. The other obvious use for similar reasons is a higher-end Android box like a Himedia or Zaidoo Z9. Finally, unlike at least the M 800, the Oppo can be very competently used as a preamp by changing the outputs to variable... making the input even more valuable. Needless to say...for me it's a huge feature!

[@MrNorcal81]

I use my Oppo-203's HDMI input with a Roku Stick. The OPPO has an excellent zoom function and when I watch old TV programs or movies, on Amazon Prime or other streaming services (or even on disc), that were shot in the 4:3 aspect ratio I find that the Oppo's 1.3x zoom expands the image with only very modest cropping and loss of picture quality. Purists may object to that but it's good to have that option available if you want to use it.

[@scottmuhlbaier1945]

One more thing to do with the 900. Do whatever it takes to make the USB DAC input MULTI-CHANNEL capable. Make up a new USB standard if they have to :-)

[@montag4516]

My Oppo 203 went wonky recently where it will no longer read or playback 4k discs as well having weird pixelization and display issues with the units menus and reading/displaying disc options for certain label blu rays. It's not a laser issue but something's off deeper in the circuitry. Would running an external 4k player through the 203 HDMI input allow me to still reap the benefits of the 203 processing and audio/analog audio abilities? I also have an Oppo BDP-105 which continues to work great, but it was never designed or built to handle 4k discs.

[@jfbaquero]

Nice review. You seem to have missed the existence of the REAVON UDP-X200 which was the closest thing to the OPPO UDP-205 until now. The new MAGNETAR UDP-900 is the new kid in town. Both the REAVON and the MAGNETAR are owned/marketed by the same french company. I don't know if you are aware of the fact that OPPO is really a Chinese brand, the clever thing was putting a warehouse in the US and sell/market the players from the US. OPPO decided to put all their effort on cellphone's, disc spinner surely do less profit. Both REAVON and MAGNETAR players are pretty similar to OPPO, did the french buy the technology? Are the being built by the same factory in China?

[@stjernholmreviews]

You seem to have not watched the entire review 🙂.Try from here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/enK7m5WDfJlliLs. Did you fall asleep? 😀😀. They dont want to admit it, but the "undisclosed" brands that is built by the "undisclosed" factory are most likely, - among others, Reavon. Yes, several brands have taken a shortcut by buying the Oppo SDK, and based their players on that. From Panne, Pioneer, Reavon and Magnetar. They still have to put in some work, and not all have even reached the Oppo functionality level yet, like I also show in the video. Stuff being built the same place is no longer a indicator of quality. The best chinese manufactures can build to just the spec & standards set by the designer these days. Thank you for commenting and watching the channel!

[@jfbaquero]

Hi, I did watch the all the review, saw you finally mentioned the REAVON at the end. I had already written the comment and was to lazy to edit it. I own two OPPO players and a REAVON UDP-X200, the REAVON actually looks and feel almost identical inside and outside to the OPPO. The new MAGNETAR seems pretty amazing, though the price tag is quite high. I am an audiophile and use the player both as a music player as a video player, I have the players hooked to external stereo amps and DAC, to hear SACD I use the analog output straight into the amps. I really appreciate the discrete analog outputs for both players because almost all stereo high fi components lack HDMI inputs.

[@stjernholmreviews]

@@jfbaquero Totally love the honesty. A true brother 😀. Which one do you like the best in terms of stereo sound? In regards to pricing.. yes.. a lot has happened, as the sales numbers of players go down, the cost of the drive goes up. At the same time, it is only hardcore critical fans of physical media (like us that knows better?) left to pick up the bill. To justify R&D (Research and development costs) and the more expensive parts and "pr. unit" marketing prices go up. Suddenly the original price of the OPPO UDP-205 looks like the bargain of the century! Please share your experiences and what you would like to see compared to the UDP-205 when the Magnetar UDP-900 will be come available. It looks like a end-game player for the shiny disc, dont you think?

[@danieltuval8879]

I had an oppo 203 for 8 years, but started becoming a bit laggy with new 4ks,I replaced it with the reavon 110 and found the picture slightly better than the oppo.i recently bought a magnetar udp800,and I have to disagree about the picture quality. It's head and shoulders the best visual presentation I've seen .so much more detail on display and depth compared to the oppo and the reavon really a premium product

[@user-mp5xk46zq1j-io5-]

There's a rumour about something new from Pioneer. Does anyone have a source ? Are the Japanese losing the market to so many Chinese clones?

[@stjernholmreviews]

yes they are. Its a pity, as the chinese compromise on certain parts like the drive mechanism. IF there were a worthy japaneese one, I think we would see even more competitive Chinese products. It seems like pioneer gave up. I have not heard of a new player . To be honest, the LX800 might be the best UDP quality wise ever made.. But they never got to the peak with the software..

[@1Aquadon]

Just think where OPPO would be "IF" they were still producing Disc/Media players. OPPO WE NEED YOU BACK!!!!!!

[@stjernholmreviews]

I was thinking that too. Magnetar is hopefully listening, and will undestand how important the continuous attention to software is, in order to build better and better products. I am very excited in finding out how far they take the next machine, and how often we will see incremental improvements with software updates on this one.. Thank for watching!

[@thomasstorgaard9750]

Nemlig, jeg elsker også alle CD´en og dens forgreninger som DVD, Blu ray og 4K skiver og alle de andre for de ovennævnte grunde.

[@JohnSmith-zl8rz]

Still the OPPO looks better, I hope back again!

[@benjaminjensen7402]

Hej stjernholms kunne være fedt hvis du anmeldte en af de nye kef r meta højtalere.

[@stjernholmreviews]

Jeg er ret vild for at høre dem. Jeg er dog ikke blevet tilbudt review, trods flere henvendelser til KEF.

[@bizyz]

a friend of mine has one of these units and told me the quality of constrauction was flimsy and not nearly as good as that of the later oppo models.

[@stjernholmreviews]

You better check it out yourself, then! I found the build quality to be very nice. The chassis and drive mechanism felt better. Software not so much 🙂 Thank you for watching the channel!

[@bizyz]

@@stjernholmreviews ok.given that,does this universal player have the sound,picture and build quality of the oppo 205 or almost as good?

[@stjernholmreviews]

@@bizyz No. The one to compare with is the 203. The 205 is in another realm, thats where the UDP900 comes in. UDP800 vs 203 is PQ better on 203 SQ depends on preference, but I liked the UDP800 a lot especially with ordinary CD`s.

[@michaelg.4923]

and whats the difference to Reavon or Pannde?

[@stjernholmreviews]

I dont think Pannde exist anymore? One is naturally the hardware, but the biggest difference in the longer term ownership will be the brands attitude towards software. Its crazy to release a player based on Oppo software, that are not starting on the same level. With Oppo, customers knew and experienced that they were always working hard on improving features and compatibility. I am not so sure about Reavon, Pannde , Magnetar and Pioneer. Time will show how ambitious they are.

[@user-mp5xk46zq1j-io5-]

You can add the "German" 4k/uhd universal player : Block HD-120

[@michaelg.4923]

@@stjernholmreviews im happy with my Reavon x-110, Plays everything incl. all my SACDs.

[@michaelg.4923]

@@user-mp5xk46zq1j-io5- only a german Trademark, i beg, comes all the way from somewhere in Asia.

[@user-mp5xk46zq1j-io5-]

@@michaelg.4923 Like the Block HD 120 ?

[@onebgbdartemis1381]

If it would only play HD DVD, I wouldn't have to replace another 60 titles

[@stjernholmreviews]

You would think that would be easy, but I think it was using yet a laser type, that are not manufactured anymore... Thanks for watching the channel!

[@onebgbdartemis1381]

@@stjernholmreviews I figured it'd be a no brainer since m$ designed it and then abandoned it. They'd of probably sold it off cheap

[@4034miguel]

If it does not have HDCD, then it is not universal. I have a small but important collection of hdcd CDs. My Oppo can decode this format, so I am afraid of when it will fail as any machine.

[@stjernholmreviews]

Well, It WILL play the discs, but just not decode HDCD.

[@ReZel80657]

I am very interested in this player even with high price tag and the fact that its a chinese brand the only requirement i have is it MUST be region free as a large part of my disks are region A/1 and i live in a region that uses B/2 so its pain in the ass to find a player that is region free unless i want to pay out the nose for a region free Panasonic UDP9000 from B&H in the US

[@stjernholmreviews]

Hi ReZel and thank you for watching the channel! The hardcore solution is to buy two, and that way you cant be in violation of anything. Thats how I do it, and I love having two players, as it is perfect when doing release comparisons, or judging the difference between the 4K and bluray disc.

[@ReZel80657]

@@stjernholmreviews I own two old Oppo players an old 103 i bought from someone second hand that bought his in the US and the 103D that i bought myself in Denmark, i would like to have one player instead of two so it needs to be region free and also one that can play 4K BD which the old 103´s cant

[@ReZel80657]

@@stjernholmreviews I completely agree with your rant by the way dics just look and sounds way better in every single way and the dics is yours so nobody can take it away from you and finding what you want on streaming is damm near impossible when it comes to some stuff

[@ReZel80657]

@@stjernholmreviews I ended up buying a UDP800 based on your review so now i need to go look for an SACD to test with

[@stjernholmreviews]

@@ReZel80657 Please do share your experiences. Have they updated the software since the review?

[@JohnDoe-bz4yl]

Nice player but very bloody expensive I hope my Oppo 203 last a long long time because I wont be paying the price they want for this player

[@stjernholmreviews]

With pricing for something like this, you have to see the pricing in context with the scale. If millions of players was produced like in the "old days", there would be another economy of scale. But yes, the price has doubled. I just paid €2-500 for a small CD transport, and it is not even very good 🙂. We are a dying breed my friend. Thank you for watching the channel!

[@michaelfoster3441]

Everything sounds excellent until you got the part we're is the image wasn't as good as the oppo . I have my oppo moded I had it done by cinemike in Germany 🇩🇪 . The audio and video is better than kaliedoscape for 7 grand I bought a Kaleidescape and compared it to to my moded oppo and 2 grand investment was better than 7 grand , I got better audio and video , sent the kaliedoscape back and got my money back .

[@stjernholmreviews]

Michael, check Shane Lees video on the Magnatar as well. He does some nice comparisons on upscaling quality and more, that supplements my video very well. Link in the description of this video!

[@michaelfoster3441]

OK thank I will do that

[@sunstyle52]

stick with panasonic 9000... first oppo now reavon 200. and now magnetar? they eventually get discontinued reavon barely came out and now it looks like theyve stopped production, eventully the support for this will follow

[@stjernholmreviews]

Its the same factory behind the brands. I just think they decided on going with the Magnetar and build that brand?

[@kawmic7]

But ...no multichannel analog outputs! That's a no go!!

[@stjernholmreviews]

Only if you need them, I assume? 😁

[@dennisstempher9684]

The only remaining question is whether you mean Mahatma or Indira, as it makes all the difference on how we are to address you in the future 😛

[@stjernholmreviews]

:-) I need the context on that one, Dennis! Aigh?

[@Paranimal86]

I agree about the streaming movies but CD quality has been far surpassed by streaming audio by Apple and Tidal.

[@stjernholmreviews]

Mike, thank you for commenting on this and watching the channel! One thing is technical stats. Another is the subjective sound experience. Local playback of truely uncompressed content is king, and CD`s still deliver that super consistent Quality experience. its not all in the format. It is just as much the masters used. Try to find the original sounding versions of the big stuff from the eighties and nineties on streaming services.. You are most likely listening to a heavily remastered version multiple generations out, and it can even change and be replaced at the publishers wish or incompetence. Original physical media and downloads: Frozen in time. In short: if things like that are important to you, nothing beats the physical media :-) . And may I add: It is a bit of a rollercoaster ride with the quality consistency on those streaming services. I notice a lot, when e.g doing the Sonics Snacks Playlist, compared to the masters I have been listening to. A interesting example of this, you can hear by watching this example video, where I compare several masters from several streaming services AND the original release of a well known classic: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIq0qXmCa9BnmbM. Let me know what you think!

[@ThousandThrills]

​@@stjernholmreviewsso true and we never know when those streaming sites will disappear or when we'll lose our internet connection.... Better be safe and keep our favorites on discs of all kinds and on hardrives in WAV format for my own taste, not only FLAC. Thanks for this video, I'm still loving my OPPO 105 but now I need 4k to watch one concert I bought, damn😅

[@johnsullivan8673]

You realize Oppo is also a Chinese company, right?

[@stjernholmreviews]

Yes. But very american development.

[@Patrick-tw7nr]

At the end of the day get a Panasonic ub820 if PQ and decent sound is what you are looking for and save a 1000

[@stjernholmreviews]

If disc playback is the only thing. But in this day and age, all the features the Magnetar offers seems pretty unbeatable (in network playback, ISO playback and more). To be a true universial player, the Pannies have some way to go.

[@Patrick-tw7nr]

@@stjernholmreviews when watching movies, the 3 most important things majorly of consumers look for when buying a dedicated 4K player is PQ, Sound and Price. This is the reason the UB820 is the value king and is used my majority of video Philes, reviewers and most consumers, myself included. It can’t be beat and the players ability is to upscale DVD and Blu Rays is second to none and at 499.00 and especially 349.00 during various sales through out BF and Cyber Monday, those players were selling like hot cakes. It easily beats Magnetar in PQ and the sound might not be as feature rich as Magnetar, it is more of than enough for even the most diehard audiophile to use in a home theater set up with right equipment and again 1000.00.

[@stjernholmreviews]

I undestand where you are coming from, in terms of the raw value. I would just hate not being able to play all my stuff, and would always prefer a definitive player that can serve it all. If you don't need all those features, and "just" want to play CD and movies from disc, I see your point. The jump in AV quality might not be so big that it justifies 3 times the price. Thanks for watching the channel!

[@richardknott2021]

Get real..blue ray will always be here..streaming is so unpredictable..movies come and go..you will always have your movies with blue ray.

[@stjernholmreviews]

You mean old blurays? Tons of new titles are never released on bluray now.

[@jgilliam1955]

This is for people who have too much money or no sense. You pay $3000 plus $99 for an update. I have an OPPO and Panasonic 820-K. Your eyes and ears can only do so much. They use the same setup as the OPPO. This company should go out of business.

[@stjernholmreviews]

While the sales of discs are diminishing, the few that really appreciate the better quality and culture preservation also want the best possible machines for playback with a solid feel. With the sales numbers not being that big, the price will naturally be on the rise, as the expenses to design and build will be equally bigger. Using the OPPO SDK is a good thing, but Magnetar had not gotten around in all the corners of it at the time of review, so it could not be considered a direct replacement in multiple aspects. I cant agree with the statement about no sense. its all about what is most important to you. The Magnatar machines are really well built.

[@ronaldesmith9098]

whee… using the Magnetar as a digital 😂transport. Audio HDMI 2 out to digital converter, coax to a external DAC … Video out HDMI 1 HDTV. playing Blu-ray movies on the monitor... Sound goes via HDMI 2... Great sound for all silver disc via external DAC... With Excellent video -- ☈

[@user-op2sl2fy5k]

Ani Magnetar 800 i 900 nie dorasta nawet do kolan do oppo 205.sprawdzalem oba i opppa ma znacznie lepszy dźwięk jak i obraz.Niektore filmy na Magnetarach mają dziwne kolory.Magnetar ma bardzo słabej jakości mechanizm laserowy,wydaje dziwne dźwięki.Pokrywa metalowa mechanizmu chyba jest tylko po to by schować tej słabej jakości mechanizm laserowy

[@stjernholmreviews]

Myślę, że Magnetar faktycznie używa mechanizmu PS, ale wcale nie zauważyłem, żeby wydawał dźwięki. Był naprawdę szybki i bezgłośny w testowanej jednostce.

[@welshcaesar]

Not worth it.

[@stjernholmreviews]

Care to add substance and perspective to the statement?