UMT Plus vs Ayre Acoustics DX-5
The DX-5 matches the UMT Plus on bit depth (24-bit), max sample rate (192 kHz), and dsd support (DSD64).
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Estimated price (community-sourced)
Around — community and catalog average, updates slowly
The MSB UMT Plus is a universal digital media transport based on an extensively modified Oppo BDP-103 3D Blu-ray platform, redesigned by MSB to operate as a pure digital transport with no internal DAC or analog audio outputs. It plays virtually all major optical disc formats including CD, DVD, DVD-Audio, SACD, Blu-ray (including 3D, BD-Live, and recordable BD-R/RE), as well as HRx and other high-resolution discs. In addition, it supports playback of files from USB storage, external hard drives, and network sources (NAS) over LAN, handling formats such as WAV, FLAC, DSD64, MP3, Dolby Digital HD, DTS-HD and more, up to 24-bit/192 kHz PCM and native DSD from SACD. For audio, the UMT Plus focuses on ultra-low-jitter digital output to external DACs, featuring MSB's proprietary Pro I2S interface capable of up to 32-bit/192 kHz PCM and direct SACD/DSD output to compatible MSB DACs. It also provides multiple standard digital outputs - coaxial S/PDIF, optical Toslink, AES/EBU balanced, plus additional S/PDIF (e.g., BNC) on some configurations - enabling integration with non-MSB DACs as well. Video and multichannel surround signals are delivered via dual HDMI 1.4 outputs, with user-configurable separation of audio and video paths. All playback and menu functions are controlled via the supplied remote, and network/file navigation is handled through the player's on-screen interface; control is via IR/remote and front-panel, not a dedicated MSB app. Power for the UMT Plus is supplied exclusively by external 12 V DC supplies via 5-pin DIN, with the option of one or two 12 V feeds - one for general operation and one dedicated to the digital audio circuitry for lower noise. MSB offers a range of matched power bases, from the Desktop Supply up to the Signature, Dual Signature, and Diamond Transport Power Base, some of which provide separate, isolated power rails for audio and video and can also power an MSB DAC. The transport itself has no internal AC supply. The chassis is built from high-quality aluminum with substantial mechanical damping and attention to EMI/RFI control; higher-end versions and power bases add features such as machined trays, custom ground planes, and vibration-control feet for more stable disc reading and reduced jitter. Overall, the UMT Plus is intended as a high-end universal media transport for high-resolution two-channel audio and reference-quality video, optimized to partner with MSB DACs via Pro I2S but flexible enough to feed a wide range of external DACs and home-theater processors through its standard digital and HDMI outputs.
DAC capabilities and digital audio processing
Specifications are community-contributed and may not be accurate or complete. Verify all details with the manufacturer before making purchasing decisions. Terms & Conditions
The closest alternatives on specs, description and the systems they turn up in, with the specs they share set side by side.
The DX-5 matches the UMT Plus on bit depth (24-bit), max sample rate (192 kHz), and dsd support (DSD64).
The DP-85 matches the UMT Plus on bit depth (24-bit), max sample rate (192 kHz), and dsd support (DSD64).
The D1-Streamer MK2's dsd support is DoP against the UMT Plus's DSD64. Both share bit depth (24-bit) and max sample rate (192 kHz).
The MA3 matches the UMT Plus on bit depth (24-bit), max sample rate (192 kHz), and dsd support (DSD64).
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