Sony UBP X800M2 Review: Superior Picture & Sound Quality
When you’re ready to upgrade your home theater experience, picture and sound quality are non-negotiable. A premium 4K Blu-ray player brings the cinema into your living room, offering an unmatched viewing experience that goes beyond streaming services.
The Sony UBP X800M2 Blu-ray player delivers exactly that. With 4K UHD resolution, Dolby Vision, HDR10 support, and high-resolution audio, it’s designed to elevate movie nights to a whole new level. Let’s dive into the details, explore the pros and cons, and see if the UBP X800M2 is the right fit for your setup.
Product Details – Sony UBP X800M2 Blu-ray Player
- Resolution: 3840×2160 (4K UHD)
- Audio Support: Dolby Atmos, DTS
, DSEE HX, SACD, DVD-Audio - Connectivity: HDMI (x2), Coaxial, Wi-Fi, Ethernet
- Special Features: HDR to SDR conversion, Bluetooth, anti-vibration construction
- Controller Type: Remote control
- Dimensions: 16.9” L x 10.4” W x 2” H
- Weight: 8.4 pounds
- Supported Media: Blu-ray, DVD, MP3
✅ Best For: Home theater enthusiasts who value high-quality visuals and surround sound.
Sony UBP X800M2 Review – Pros & Cons
Pros of Sony UBP X800M2
✅ Outstanding 4K Picture Quality: Features Dolby Vision and HDR10 for vivid colors and sharp details.
✅ High-Resolution Audio: Dolby Atmos and DSEE HX provide an immersive sound experience.
✅ Versatile Media Compatibility: Supports SACD, DVD-Audio, and most disc formats.
✅ Robust Build: Anti-vibration design enhances sound clarity by reducing interference.
✅ Dual HDMI Outputs: Ideal for splitting audio and video connections for optimal performance.
Cons of Sony UBP X800M2
❗ Manual Dolby Vision Activation: Users need to enable it manually through the settings.
❗ Limited Streaming Apps: Comes with only three pre-installed apps, making it less versatile for streaming.
The Sony UBP X800M2 Blu-ray Player has received mostly positive reviews for its picture quality and audio performance. Users appreciate its ability to upscale content and its robust build quality.
In-Depth Review of the Sony UBP X800M2 Blu-ray Player
Upgrading to a 4K Blu-ray player like the Sony UBP X800M2 can transform your home theater experience. The UBP X800M2 is loaded with features that ensure high-quality playback of both video and audio. Let’s look at how it performs in real-world scenarios.
Visual Performance: Cinematic Clarity at Home
The UBP X800M2 brings films to life with stunning 4K resolution, utilizing Dolby Vision and HDR10 to deliver breathtaking contrast and vibrant colors. Whether you’re watching a fast-paced action film or a scenic nature documentary, the picture is consistently clear and dynamic. It also upscales standard Blu-ray and DVD content, allowing older media to look significantly better on a 4K screen.
Audio Capabilities: Immersive Surround Sound
For audiophiles and movie buffs, the UBP X800M2 doesn’t disappoint. Supporting Dolby Atmos and DTS
, it creates a realistic soundscape that draws you into the action. The DSEE HX feature improves compressed audio files to near high-resolution quality, while the anti-vibration construction ensures cleaner sound output.
Media Compatibility: More Than Just Blu-rays
This player’s versatility is one of its standout features. It supports an array of media formats, including SACD and DVD-Audio, which makes it perfect for those who want to enjoy high-resolution music as well as movies. The dual HDMI outputs allow you to send separate signals for video and audio, optimizing performance in home theater setups.
Ease of Use: Straightforward Setup, Minimal Hassle
Setup is a breeze, with intuitive menus and easy configuration options. While the manual activation of Dolby Vision is a minor inconvenience, most users won’t find it to be a dealbreaker. However, the limited streaming app selection means you’ll likely rely on a smart TV or streaming device for online content.
Who Will Love the Sony UBP X800M2?
If you prioritize high-quality video and audio in your home theater, the UBP X800M2 is an excellent choice. It’s ideal for:
✅ Movie lovers who want to experience films in stunning 4K UHD quality
✅ Audiophiles looking for high-resolution sound with minimal vibration interference
✅ Users who own a collection of SACD or DVD-Audio discs and need versatile playback options
✅ Home theater enthusiasts who appreciate the dual HDMI output feature for separating audio and video signals
Who Might Want to Consider Other Options?
While the UBP X800M2 is a fantastic 4K player, it may not be suitable for those who expect a wide range of streaming apps built-in. You might prefer a dedicated streaming device if you prioritize app variety over disc playback.
Customer Experiences – Sony UBP X800M2 Blu-ray Player
We’ve thoroughly researched honest customer experiences with this product, and here’s what users are saying:
✅ Excellent Picture and Sound Quality: Users consistently praise the UBP X800M2 for its crisp picture and immersive sound. The Dolby Vision and HDR10 support receive high marks for enhancing viewing experiences.
✅ Solid Build Quality: Many customers appreciate the sturdy construction, mentioning that the weight helps reduce vibrations and improves sound clarity.
✅ User-Friendly Setup: The setup process is straightforward, with minimal effort needed to start enjoying 4K content.
🚫 Dolby Vision Activation Could Be Improved: Some users find the need to manually toggle Dolby Vision inconvenient.
🚫 Limited Streaming Apps: A few customers noted that the built-in streaming app selection is too limited.
Value Analysis – Sony UBP X800M2 Blu-ray Player
The Sony UBP X800M2 is a compelling choice in the mid-range 4K Blu-ray player market. Its strengths lie in the following areas:
Key Strengths: Picture, Sound, and Build
- Picture Quality: The 4K resolution and support for both Dolby Vision and HDR10 make it a standout for visual clarity. It delivers a true cinematic experience at home.
- Audio Performance: Dolby Atmos, DTS
, and DSEE HX deliver high-resolution sound, perfect for audiophiles. - Build Quality: Anti-vibration design reduces audio interference, ensuring a cleaner sound experience.
Considerations: Streaming and Convenience
- Streaming Limitations: With only three apps, the UBP X800M2 is not the best choice if you rely heavily on streaming services.
- Manual Dolby Vision Activation: A minor inconvenience that could be resolved with automatic detection.
The Sony UBP X800M2 Blu-ray Player is a good investment for home theater enthusiasts seeking excellent picture quality and high-resolution sound. It offers great value for those looking for a versatile media player that supports various disc formats.
Final Thoughts: Is the Sony UBP X800M2 Blu-ray Player Worth It?
The Sony UBP X800M2 Blu-ray Player is a reliable choice for high-quality video and audio playback. Its stunning 4K picture and versatile media support make it ideal for home theaters, though the manual Dolby Vision activation and limited streaming apps may be drawbacks for some.
FAQs – Sony UBP X800M2 Review
Can the Sony UBP X800M2 play 3D Blu-ray discs?
Yes, the Sony UBP X800M2 is compatible with 3D Blu-ray discs, allowing you to enjoy 3D content on a compatible 3D TV. This player provides a high-quality viewing experience, making it a versatile option for users who have an existing collection of 3D movies. To enjoy 3D playback, ensure that your TV and HDMI cable also support 3D capabilities. Once connected, the player will automatically detect 3D content and adjust the output for optimal viewing. However, 3D support is limited to compatible Blu-ray discs and TVs.
Does the Sony UBP X800M2 have built-in streaming apps?
Yes, the UBP X800M2 comes with built-in streaming apps, including Netflix, YouTube, and Amazon Prime Video. While these apps cover popular streaming services, the selection is limited compared to dedicated streaming devices like Roku or Apple TV. Users should note that some apps may not support Dolby Vision through the player, which could affect the picture quality. For a more comprehensive streaming experience, it’s advisable to use the smart features of your TV or an external streaming device, which may offer a wider variety of apps and more advanced streaming functionalities.
Can the Sony UBP X800M2 upscale regular Blu-rays to 4K?
Yes, the Sony UBP X800M2 has a 4K upscaling feature that enhances the picture quality of standard Blu-ray discs and DVDs. This upscaling process makes the content appear sharper and more detailed, closely resembling true 4K resolution, even if the source material is of a lower resolution. The upscaling works automatically, providing a noticeable improvement in clarity, especially on larger 4K TVs. However, while upscaling enhances the visual experience, it may not match the quality of native 4K UHD Blu-ray content.
Is the Sony UBP X800M2 compatible with SACD?
Yes, the UBP X800M2 supports SACD (Super Audio CD) playback, which allows users to enjoy high-resolution audio. SACD is a format known for its superior sound quality, offering a richer and more detailed audio experience compared to standard CDs. This player’s compatibility with SACD makes it an attractive option for audiophiles who own a collection of these discs. Additionally, the player can also handle DVD-Audio discs, providing a comprehensive audio solution for various high-resolution formats.
What audio formats does the Sony UBP X800M2 support?
The Sony UBP X800M2 supports a wide range of audio formats, including Dolby Atmos, DTS, DSEE HX, SACD, and DVD-Audio. This comprehensive audio support enables users to enjoy a cinematic surround sound experience at home, with sound quality that matches the visual clarity. Dolby Atmos and DTS offer 3D audio effects, making sound appear to come from different directions, adding to the realism. The DSEE HX technology also helps to upscale compressed audio files to near high-resolution quality, enhancing the overall listening experience.
How many HDMI outputs does the Sony UBP X800M2 have?
The UBP X800M2 is equipped with two HDMI outputs. This dual HDMI setup allows users to separate video and audio signals for optimal performance. For instance, one HDMI output can be connected directly to the TV for video, while the other can be connected to an AV receiver for audio. This configuration minimizes signal interference and ensures that the highest quality video and audio are maintained. The dual output is particularly useful for users with older receivers that may not support 4K video passthrough.
Is the Sony UBP X800M2 good for streaming?
While the UBP X800M2 supports basic streaming through built-in apps, it may not be the best option for those who rely heavily on streaming. With only three pre-installed apps—Netflix, YouTube, and Amazon Prime Video—the player’s streaming capabilities are quite limited. Furthermore, some features like Dolby Vision support might not be available for certain streaming apps. For users who prioritize streaming, a dedicated streaming device or smart TV will offer a more extensive app selection and advanced streaming options. The UBP X800M2 excels more in disc playback than as a streaming hub.
Does the Sony UBP X800M2 support Dolby Vision?
Yes, the UBP X800M2 does support Dolby Vision, a dynamic HDR format that adjusts brightness and contrast on a scene-by-scene basis for improved picture quality. However, users must manually activate Dolby Vision in the settings menu each time they wish to use it. This feature can enhance the viewing experience, especially when watching 4K UHD Blu-ray discs that support Dolby Vision. While some players offer automatic Dolby Vision detection, the UBP X800M2 requires users to switch it on manually, which might be a minor inconvenience for some.
How does the Sony UBP X800M2 reduce vibration?
The UBP X800M2 features an anti-vibration construction designed to minimize mechanical vibrations during playback. This design includes a rigid frame and beam chassis that help to eliminate micro-vibrations and provide effective electrical shielding. Reducing vibrations is crucial for maintaining clear audio and video performance, as it minimizes potential disturbances that can interfere with the disc’s playback quality. This anti-vibration technology contributes to the player’s overall durability and enhances both audio and video clarity, making it a suitable choice for high-fidelity home theater setups.
Can the Sony UBP X800M2 connect to a sound system via Bluetooth?
Yes, the UBP X800M2 supports Bluetooth connectivity, allowing it to wirelessly transmit audio to Bluetooth-enabled headphones or speakers. This feature adds flexibility to your home theater setup, enabling private listening with headphones or playing audio through portable speakers without the need for additional cables. The player’s Bluetooth function also supports LDAC, Sony’s high-quality audio codec, which transmits three times more data than standard Bluetooth for a richer listening experience. However, using Bluetooth may introduce slight audio latency, which is important to consider for synchronized video and audio playback.
Sony UBP X800M2 Review – Conclusion
The Sony UBP X800M2 Blu-ray Player is a versatile and feature-rich 4K UHD player that excels in both video and audio performance. It offers stunning 4K picture quality, comprehensive audio format support, and reliable upscaling capabilities. Its anti-vibration design and build quality further enhance the home theater experience. However, the need for manual Dolby Vision activation and the limited streaming options may not appeal to all users.
The Sony UBP X800M2 Blu-ray Player is a solid choice for those seeking a premium home theater experience, with its rich audio capabilities and superior 4K playback setting it apart, though the manual Dolby Vision activation may require extra steps for some.