The Sony UBP-X800M2 is a mid-range 4K and HDR Blu-ray player which has now been around for a couple of years. This is a positive as it means this player has had updates which make it more capable than ever.
This unit has made it onto our list of the best Blu-ray players so no matter what negatives you read in this review, keep in mind this is still one of the top players you can buy right now.
From playing Blu-ray and CD discs to streaming via the likes of Netflix and YouTube apps, this is a very capable player which will help push your 4K and HDR TV to its limits in terms of quality. But it is still mid-range and that price must mean some sacrifices. Thankfully you'll only notice these compromises at the top-end of image quality reproduction, so if you want a decent player that won't leave you too out of pocket, this could be the one for you.
Sony UBP-X800M2 review: Picture quality
- 4K image quality
- Dolby Vision and HDR10
The Sony UBP-X800M2 produces the kind of rich, vibrant image that you'd expect from a player of this quality. We're on the second generation of the X800 and the jumps forward are apparent.
Watching a 4K and HDR Blu-ray in Dolby Vision or HDR10 both produce lifelike colors and handle fast moving images with aplomb. There's no distortion noticeable and the depth of the image would likely be enough to make the filmmakers proud.
While the extra dynamism of Dolby Vision is clear it might be a little over done for some. Sony typically keeps things subtle, which it does well here in most instances, but the Dolby Vision mode does seem to push a little too far towards over-punchy at times.
Otherwise this is full of fine detail with no processing noise and lots of nuanced color. Upscaling from 1080p to 4K also works very well with Sony's wealth of experience here clearly visible.
Sony UBP-X800M2 review: Audio quality
- Great audio output options
- Natural sound
This deck comes packing in support for hi-res sources, DVD-Audio, and SACD. Pair this with a decent audio system and the player will make sure those speakers are working to their limits to deliver the best possible sound.
The DSEE HX feature helps with compressed audio content, making it sound far richer and more dynamic. So, if you have a heavily compressed audio file then this player is a superb way to bring that back to the best possible end result in your ears.
For movies expect lots of natural sound with clear dialogue and a subtlety to it that'll really immerse you in whatever you're watching.
Sony UBP-X800M2 review: Design, build and features
- High build quality
- Apps including Netflix
- Bluetooth headphone support
The Sony UBP-X800M2 is a solidly built deck, in fact it's almost the same chassis as the top end model that's nearly double the price. It has a compact form and it's built out of quality materials, with the majority of the frame being metal. That is done by Sony to ensure minimal warping so as to keep the player from being affected by outside vibrations, but also to ensure the innards keep working as perfectly as possible for as long as possible.
There's no screen on the front and all that black metal is broken up by just two buttons for power and eject. Around the back you've got dual HDMI, optical, and a wired LAN internet port.
The remote control is a large Sony style unit with colored buttons and a dedicated Netflix button. Everything is responsive and easy to use even in the dark.
Talking of apps, this offers Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and YouTube all with 4K and HDR support. The downside is that Dolby Vision and HDR10+ aren't supported on all of these services. Even where it is supported, you're required to manually turn on Dolby Vision which is a menu diving effort you shouldn't have to deal with at this price point.
Another feature worth mentioning is Bluetooth connectivity. This allows you to watch via Bluetooth headphones, which works really well without any lag or syncing issues.
Sony UBP-X800M2 review: Price
- $299 MSRP
- One year warranty
The Sony UBP-X800M2 was launched at a price of $299. This is decent for the range of features and the level of performance you get but to include that build quality too makes this a real deal. You also get a one-year limited warranty with your purchase.
At time of publishing that price has dropped in some retailers with prices as low as $268 plus shipping, so it's well worth shopping around for this.
Should you buy the Sony UBP-X800M2?
The Sony UBP-X800M2 offers a top-end premium build with some high-end features but at the mid range price. While image and audio quality are stand-out fantastic, the need to manually turn on Dolby Vision and the lack of HDR10+ support could be a problem for some. For anyone seeking a top quality way to play their Blu-ray discs, hi-res audio and CD or DVD content, with upscaling, this is a very powerful choice.
