Fosi Audio Merak, the brand's highly anticipated desktop CD player.

Fosi Audio Merak, the brands highly anticipated desktop CD player, it serves double duty as a CD transport, lossless ripper, and headphone amp for desktop hi-fi setups.

 

• A compact, all-in-one desktop device that combines a CD transport, high-fidelity DAC, and headphone amplifier. It is highly regarded among audiophiles for its excellent digital output, built-in one-touch CD-to-USB ripping, and incredible value as a budget-friendly audio component

 

Key Specifications & Features

• Audio Architecture: Built using the CS43131 DAC and TPA6120 op-amps, achieving a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of up to 124 dB and a low total harmonic distortion (THD+N) of 0.0009%.
• Headphone Output: Delivers 210 mW × 2 (at 32 Ω), supporting headphones with impedances ranging from 16 to 300 Ω.
• CD Ripping: Allows one-touch extraction directly from CDs to uncompressed 16-bit/44.1kHz WAV files, saved directly onto a connected USB drive.
• USB Playback: Supports USB drives up to 128GB, accommodating multiple audio formats including MP3, WAV, FLAC, AAC, APE, and WMA.
• Anti-Skip Protection: Features a 60-second ESP (Electronic Skip Protection) buffer to reduce playback interruptions from vibrations.
• Physical Controls: Comes with an IR remote control with an operating distance of up to 7 meters

 

Connectivity Inputs & Outputs

• Inputs: CD disc slot and USB-A (for USB flash drives).
• Outputs: 3.5mm headphone jack, line-level (LINE) output, optical (OPT) digital output, and a 12V trigger.
• Note on Outputs: The device is designed to output to only one active source (Optical, Line, or Headphones) at a time.

 

Performance Insights & Expert Consensus

• As a CD Transport: The Merak is celebrated in community tests on Audio Science Review for having a practically perfect digital output, making it one of the most capable and affordable CD transports available if you plan to pair it with a separate external DAC.
• Drive Mechanics: It features excellent error correction, successfully handling track variances and resisting dropouts.
• Analog Output: Community discussions and tests note that the built-in analog output does exhibit some distortion at lower frequencies.
• Power Sensitivity: The device performs exceptionally well, but users have found that it is highly sensitive to the quality of the power source; powering it via a low-noise supply or battery pack can yield even cleaner audio output.

 

Description

 

Precision CD Transport: Optimized servo system ensures accurate disc reading, smooth playback, and reduced wear, supporting stable long-term performance and consistent audio output.
All-in-One Audio Design: Combines CD player, DAC, and headphone amplifier in one unit, simplifying setup while maintaining low distortion and clear signal reproduction.
CD Ripping & USB Playback: Supports CD ripping to USB and direct playback, enabling easy conversion to digital files and convenient access without additional devices.
Flexible Output Connectivity: Multiple outputs support headphones, amplifiers, and active speakers, allowing seamless integration into desktop systems or larger audio setups.
ESP Anti-Skip Protection: 60-second buffering reduces interruptions from vibration, maintaining stable playback and improving reliability in movement or less controlled environments.

 

Specifications

Chipset: SC6137D + CS43131 + TPA6120

Max Sampling Rate

• CD: PCM 16bit / 96kHz
• USB (USB flash drives): PCM 16bit / 96kHz

Headphone Impedance: 16–300Ω

Input: USB-A (USB flash drives), CD

Output: 3.5mm Headphones Jack, LINE, OPT, 12V Trigger

CD Formats: CDDA, CD-R / CD-RW (partially readable). Original pressed discs are recommended

CD-R Formats: FLAC / WAV / WMA / AAC / MP3

SACD Playback: Only SACDs with a CD layer are supported

Formats for USB Drive Playback: MP3 / WAV / FLAC / AAC / APE / WMA

IR Remote Control: Supports a maximum operating distance of up to 7 meters

Input Voltage: DC 5V / 2A

Firmware Upgrade: Firmware can be updated online via a USB-A port using a USB flash drive

3.5mm Output Performance (CD)

Rated Output Power: L+R ≥ 210mW + 210mW (32Ω / THD+N < 1%)

SNR: 121 dB (A-weighted)

THD+N: 0.002% (A-weighted)

Dynamic Range: 121 dB

Noise Floor: ≤ 3µV (A-weighted)

LINE Output Performance (CD)

Output Level: ≥ 2Vrms

SNR: 124 dB (A-weighted)

THD+N: 0.0009% (A-weighted)

Dynamic Range: 124 dB

Noise Floor: ≤ 3µV (A-weighted)

 

 

What‘s in the box？

• Merak
• USB-A to USB-C Cable
• IR Remote Control
• User Manual