Overview

Sony’s UBP-X700 is a compact 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player introduced in 2018 with support for UHD BD, BD, DVD, CD, and SACD, plus Dolby Vision/HDR10 and essential streaming apps. It offers two HDMI outputs (one audio-only) and a coaxial S/PDIF output, making it a flexible digital transport for AVRs and TVs. Key dimensions are W320 × H45 × D217 mm, weight ~1.4 kg. [1][5][7]

Scientific Validity

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As a digital transport, the X700 outputs audio/video bitstream over HDMI (Dolby Atmos/DTS:X pass-through; DSD over HDMI for SACD). There is no analog audio stage to measure. While no third-party lab has published comprehensive error-rate or jitter datasets for this model, long-term user and reviewer experience indicates correct format handling without dropouts under normal use. Firmware M43.R.0292 remains available, reflecting sustained support. [1][2]

Technology Level

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UHD BD with Dolby Vision/HDR10, dual HDMI (including audio-only), SACD, Ethernet/Wi-Fi apps, and standard bitstream of immersive codecs deliver a complete feature set for the price. Omissions versus premium tiers include HDR10+ and any analog/multichannel analog outs or heavy chassis/bracing. [1][5]

Cost-Performance

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Street price verified at 259 USD (UBP-X700/M). The cheapest equal-or-better alternative we can confirm is Sony UBP-X800M2 at 329.99 USD; it matches the core criteria (UHD BD + Dolby Vision + SACD + dual-HDMI) and adds a heavier chassis. Since no cheaper model meets or exceeds these capabilities, CP is 1.0. [3][4][6]

Reliability & Support

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Sony provides a standard 1-year limited warranty in the U.S. and maintains firmware M43.R.0292 (posted May 30, 2022). The light chassis is not “tank-like,” but field reliability is typical for the class. [2]

Rationality of Design Philosophy

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Sony prioritizes disc format breadth and practical connectivity over boutique analog design. The dual-HDMI architecture acknowledges real-world AVR/TV chains; SACD support is a welcome inclusion for collectors. Absent are high-mass construction and audiophile analog stages—appropriate given the X700’s transport-centric role. [1]

Advice

If you value sturdier build, quieter transport, or Bluetooth transmitter, UBP-X800M2 is the straightforward step-up. If SACD is irrelevant, cheaper players exist—but they typically drop Dolby Vision or dual-HDMI, changing the value calculus.

References

[1] Sony — UBP-X700 Specifications — https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/home-video-blu-ray-disc-players-recorders/ubp-x700/specifications
[2] Sony — UBP-X700 Firmware Update (M43.R.0292) — https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/home-video-blu-ray-disc-players-recorders/ubp-x700/downloads
[3] Value Electronics — UBP-X700/M Price — https://valueelectronics.com/product/sony-ubpx700-m-4k-uhd-hdr-blu-ray-player/
[4] Value Electronics — UBP-X800M2 Price — https://valueelectronics.com/product/sony-ubp-x800m2-4k-uhd-hdr-blu-ray-player-smart-streaming/
[5] Sony — UBP-X800M2 Specifications — https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/home-video-blu-ray-disc-players-recorders/ubp-x800m2/specifications
[6] Sony Store — UBP-X800M2 Product Page — https://electronics.sony.com/tv-video/blu-ray-dvd-players/all-blu-ray/p/ubpx800m2
[7] Sony — UBP-X700 Product Page — https://www.sony.com/en-ma/electronics/blu-ray-disc-players/ubp-x700

(2025.9.2)