Tascam Announces the BD-MP1MKII Professional Grade Blu-Ray Player

In what is undoubtedly one of the most understated product announcements of the year, Tascam announced a new Blu-Ray player. The new BD-MP1MKII Professional Grade Blu-Ray Player, is actually a second-generation offering replacing the company's existing BD-MP1 model, and complementing the BD-MP4K model, which supports 4K video output over HDMI. Because the new BD-MP1MKII is a professional Blu-Ray player it comes with detachable rackmount ears and it even offers balanced analog audio outputs.

audioXpress November 2017 featured one of the most eagerly awaited reviews: the OPPO Digital UDP-205 4K Ultra HD Audiophile Blu-ray Disc Player. The new UDP-205 features dual ES9038PRO Sabre DAC chips, improved HDMI audio clock, asynchronous USB DAC with coaxial and optical inputs, headphone amplifier, and a dedicated stereo output with XLR balanced connectors. In his review Gary Galo explains why this is the 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc player for which audio enthusiasts were waiting.

McIntosh has announced details of three new products from its 2016 global distributor conference. The trio includes a new Blu-Ray player ($5,500), turntable amplifier ($2,000) and digital preamplifier ($7,000). The new C2600 Vacuum Tube Preamplifier, the MP100 Phono Preamplifier and the MVP901 Audio Video Player, all combine the best-in-class audio performance of the legendary McIntosh Reference System with the latest in technological development. Availability (in the US) is expected in August 2016.

ESS Technology announced its new flagship ES9038PRO SABRE DAC at CES 2016, generating immediate attention from audio manufacturers looking to raise the standard on new generation high-resolution audio products. The new ESS PRO SABRE 32-bit, 8-channel DAC chip goes the extra mile by offering the industry’s highest dynamic range (DNR) of 140dB with an impressive THD+N at -122dB.