Fosi Audio Merak Desktop CD Player with DAC and Headphone Amplifier

The Fosi Audio Merak is a compact, high-performance desktop CD player designed to bring physical music collections into modern HiFi systems. Combining a precision CD transport, high-quality digital-to-analog converter and dedicated headphone amplifier in one versatile component, the Merak delivers detailed, engaging sound while providing convenient connectivity for headphones, powered speakers and traditional stereo systems.

Featuring a carefully selected SC6137D, CS43131 and TPA6120 audio chipset, the Merak provides accurate disc reading, high-quality audio conversion and powerful headphone amplification. Its optimized servo system, 60-second electronic shock protection and gapless playback help ensure a stable, enjoyable listening experience whether playing individual tracks, complete albums or continuous live recordings.

Beyond conventional CD playback, the Merak also supports music playback directly from USB flash drives and convenient CD-to-USB recording in uncompressed WAV format. With analog line-level, optical digital and headphone outputs, an integrated 12V trigger connection, a distinctive sliding volume control and an included infrared remote, the Merak provides impressive flexibility in a compact desktop design.

Precision CD Playback

The Merak uses an optimized servo system engineered for accurate disc reading and dependable playback. Its precision disc transport maintains consistent data retrieval while helping minimize interruptions caused by minor vibrations or disc movement.

The player supports standard CD-DA audio CDs and compatible CD-R and CD-RW discs. Some recordable or rewritable discs may have limited compatibility depending on their recording format and condition.

Gapless playback allows consecutive tracks to transition without unintended silence, making the Merak particularly suitable for live recordings, classical compositions and continuous concept albums.

Integrated High-Performance DAC

The Merak incorporates a dedicated CS43131 digital-to-analog converter that transforms digital audio from CDs and supported USB files into clean analog signals for compatible stereo equipment.

Its carefully designed output circuitry provides low distortion and excellent signal-to-noise performance, allowing the musical detail captured in physical recordings to be reproduced with clarity and precision.

The analog line output provides a manufacturer-specified signal level of at least 2 Vrms, making it suitable for connection to compatible integrated amplifiers, preamplifiers and powered speakers.

Dedicated Headphone Amplifier

Built-in headphone amplification makes the Merak suitable for personal listening without requiring a separate headphone amplifier.

The dedicated 3.5 mm headphone output supports compatible headphones with impedances ranging from 16 to 300 ohms. The amplifier delivers at least 210 mW per channel into 32 ohms under the manufacturer's specified test conditions.

A distinctive sliding volume control provides convenient adjustment during headphone listening and adds a unique functional element to the Merak's minimalist desktop design.

USB Music Playback

The Merak features a USB-A port for playing compatible audio files directly from a USB flash drive.

Supported USB audio formats include MP3, WAV, FLAC, AAC, APE and WMA, providing convenient access to digital music collections without requiring a computer or external media player.

The player supports USB flash drives with capacities up to 128 GB, subject to compatible formatting and file structure.

CD Ripping to USB

The Merak includes a convenient CD-ripping function that allows audio tracks from compatible CDs to be saved directly onto a connected USB flash drive.

Recorded tracks are stored as WAV files at 16-bit/44.1 kHz, preserving standard CD audio resolution without lossy compression.

This feature provides a practical way to create digital copies of personal music collections for use with other compatible playback devices.

60-Second Electronic Shock Protection

Built-in electronic shock protection uses a 60-second audio buffer to help minimize playback interruptions caused by minor vibrations or movement.

This buffering system enhances reliability in everyday listening environments while complementing the player's optimized disc-reading mechanism.

Flexible Analog and Digital Outputs

The Merak can be integrated into a wide range of audio systems using its analog line output, optical digital output and dedicated headphone connection.

The analog line output takes advantage of the Merak's built-in DAC, while the optical S/PDIF connection allows the player to operate as a digital CD transport with a compatible external DAC or digital-input amplifier.

A 12V trigger output supports coordinated power operation with compatible Fosi Audio components, helping create a more convenient integrated system.

Intuitive Playback Controls

The Merak provides straightforward playback controls and supports four playback modes: Play Once, Repeat One, Repeat All and Shuffle.

An included infrared remote allows convenient track selection, playback adjustment and input/output control from a distance of up to approximately 7 metres (23 feet).

The top-loading design provides direct access to the disc compartment and incorporates an automatic stop function when the lid is opened.

Compact Desktop HiFi Design

The Merak is designed for desktop listening stations, compact stereo systems and modern component-based HiFi installations.

Its distinctive styling, accessible controls and versatile connectivity allow it to function as a standalone CD source for compatible headphones or as part of a larger amplifier and speaker system.

The player does not contain built-in speakers and requires headphones, an amplifier or compatible powered speakers for audible playback.

Features

• Compact desktop CD player with integrated DAC and headphone amplifier
• High-quality SC6137D, CS43131 and TPA6120 audio chipset
• Optimized servo system for stable, accurate disc reading
• Supports standard CD-DA, compatible CD-R and partially compatible CD-RW discs
• Gapless playback for continuous music recordings
• 60-second electronic shock protection buffer
• USB-A port for music playback from compatible flash drives
• Supports MP3, WAV, FLAC, AAC, APE and WMA USB audio formats
• One-touch CD ripping to USB in 16-bit/44.1 kHz WAV format
• Integrated CS43131 digital-to-analog converter
• Dedicated headphone amplifier with 3.5 mm output
• Supports compatible headphones with 16 to 300 ohm impedance
• At least 210 mW per channel headphone output at 32 ohms
• Analog line output for compatible amplifiers and powered speakers
• Optical digital output for connection to an external DAC
• 12V trigger output for compatible component power synchronization
• Distinctive sliding volume control
• Four playback modes: Play Once, Repeat One, Repeat All and Shuffle
• Included infrared remote control with up to 7 m (23 ft) operating range
• Automatic playback stop when the disc lid is opened
• USB firmware update capability
• Compact design suitable for desktop and HiFi installations

Specifications:

General

• Brand: Fosi Audio
• Model: Merak
• EAN: 6976136961369
• Product Type: Desktop CD Player with DAC and Headphone Amplifier
• Disc Loading: Top Loading
• Audio Chipset: SC6137D + CS43131 + TPA6120
• Built-in DAC: Yes
• Built-in Headphone Amplifier: Yes
• Built-in Speakers: No

Disc Compatibility

• Supported Disc Formats: CD-DA, CD-R, CD-RW (Partial Compatibility)
• Supported CD-R File Formats: FLAC, WAV, WMA, AAC, MP3
• SACD Compatibility: Hybrid SACD CD Layer Only
• Gapless Playback: Supported
• Electronic Shock Protection: 60-Second Audio Buffer
• Automatic Lid-Open Stop: Supported

USB Playback and Recording

• USB Connection: USB-A
• Supported USB Audio Formats: MP3, WAV, FLAC, AAC, APE, WMA
• Maximum Supported USB Drive Capacity: 128 GB
• CD Ripping: Direct CD-to-USB WAV Recording
• Recording Format: WAV, 16-bit/44.1 kHz
• Maximum USB Playback Sampling Rate: PCM 16-bit/96 kHz
• Maximum CD Sampling Rate: PCM 16-bit/96 kHz (Manufacturer Specification)
• Firmware Updates: Via USB-A Flash Drive

Audio Connections

• Audio Sources: CD and USB-A Flash Drive
• Headphone Output: 3.5 mm Stereo
• Analog Line Output: Supported
• Digital Output: Optical S/PDIF
• Trigger Output: 12V
• Bluetooth: Not Supported
• Wi-Fi: Not Supported

Headphone Amplifier Performance

• Supported Headphone Impedance: 16–300 Ohms
• Rated Output Power: At Least 210 mW + 210 mW at 32 Ohms (THD+N Below 1%)
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 121 dB (A-Weighted)
• THD+N: 0.002% (A-Weighted)
• Dynamic Range: 121 dB
• Noise Floor: 3 µV or Less (A-Weighted)

Analog Line Output Performance

• Output Level: At Least 2 Vrms
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 124 dB (A-Weighted)
• THD+N: 0.0009% (A-Weighted)
• Dynamic Range: 124 dB
• Noise Floor: 3 µV or Less (A-Weighted)

Playback and Control

• Playback Modes: Play Once, Repeat One, Repeat All, Shuffle
• Remote Control: Infrared Remote Included
• Maximum Remote Operating Range: 7 m (23 ft)
• Volume Adjustment: Sliding Volume Control
• Power Synchronization: 12V Trigger Output

Power and Physical Specifications

• Power Input: DC 5V / 2A
• Product Weight: Approximately 890 g (1.96 lb)

What's in the Box:

• 1 x Fosi Audio Merak CD Player
• 1 x USB-A to USB-C Cable
• 1 x Infrared Remote Control
• 1 x User Manual