Fosi Audio Merak CD Player

Description

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About the Fosi Audio Merak CD Player

The Fosi Audio Merak CD Player combines a dedicated CD transport with a Cirrus Logic CS43131 DAC and TPA6120 headphone amplifier. Therefore, you can listen directly through headphones, connect an amplifier or active speakers, or use its optical output with an external DAC.

The Merak also supports gapless playback, USB music playback, and one-touch CD ripping to a USB drive. A 60-second ESP anti-shock buffer helps maintain stable playback when vibration is present.

Its transparent lid, silver aluminium styling, OLED display, and orange volume slider give it a distinctive appearance. Meanwhile, its small footprint makes it easier to accommodate than a traditional full-width CD player.

What We Think

The Merak is a clever answer to the renewed interest in compact discs.

Rather than producing another large component, Fosi Audio has created a versatile player that suits a desk, bedside system, compact stereo, or secondary listening room. It can operate as a complete headphone source, an analogue CD player, or a digital transport.

We particularly like the optical output and fixed line output. These connections give the Merak a useful upgrade path. You can begin with its internal DAC, then add a more advanced external DAC or amplifier later.

Gapless playback is another important advantage. Live albums, classical works, DJ mixes, and progressive rock recordings can move between tracks without artificial pauses.

However, the Merak is a desktop player rather than a truly portable model. It has no internal battery, and its top lid does not latch shut. Its light chassis also means that careful placement is worthwhile.

Overall, the Merak offers an appealing combination of simplicity, flexibility, and value for anyone rediscovering a CD collection.

 

 

View Product Manual & Support >> View Fosi Audio Products >>

 

The Fosi Audio Merak CD Player Is Ideal For

• Music lovers rediscovering a CD collection
• Desktop and home-office audio systems
• Compact living-room or bedroom stereos
• Headphone listeners who want an integrated CD source
• Buyers who need gapless CD playback
• Systems requiring an optical CD transport
• Active speakers with analogue or optical inputs
• Listeners who want to rip CDs without using a computer
• Fosi Audio owners building a coordinated compact system
• Buyers who find traditional full-width CD players too large

 

Reviews & Comments

• Headfonia praised its brushed aluminium styling, OLED screen, connectivity, and natural, refined presentation. The reviewer also found the line output especially effective with active speakers. However, the internal headphone amplifier was less convincing with particularly demanding planar headphones.
• Headfonics awarded the Merak 8.5 overall. The reviewer praised its gapless playback, clarity, richness, and easy system integration. However, its lightweight construction and lack of balanced output were noted as limitations.
• Pragmatic Audio found the Merak compact, versatile, and effective as a desktop CD transport. It also reported quiet disc reading and reliable playback with several older recordable discs.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does the Fosi Audio Merak play normal audio CDs?
   The Merak plays standard pressed audio CDs in the CDDA format. It also offers partial compatibility with CD-R and CD-RW media. Disc condition, recording quality, file format, and finalisation can affect recordable-disc compatibility.
2. Does the Merak play SACDs?
   It can play only the conventional CD layer of a compatible hybrid SACD. It cannot read the high-resolution SACD layer or play a pure single-layer SACD. Therefore, it should not be purchased as a dedicated SACD player.
3. Does the Fosi Audio Merak support gapless playback?
   Gapless playback lets consecutive tracks flow without an inserted pause. This is important for live albums, classical compositions, concept records, and continuously mixed music.
4. Can I connect the Merak directly to an amplifier?
   Connect its 3.5mm line output to an amplifier’s line-level input. Most conventional amplifiers will require a 3.5mm-to-stereo-RCA cable. Do not connect it to a PHONO input, as that input is designed for a turntable cartridge.
5. Can I connect the Merak to powered speakers?
   Use the line output with active speakers that have an analogue input. Alternatively, use the optical output if the speakers have a compatible Toslink input. System volume is normally controlled by the powered speakers.
6. Can the Merak be used purely as a CD transport?
   Its optical output sends the digital audio signal to an external DAC, amplifier, receiver, or powered speaker system. This bypasses the Merak’s internal digital-to-analogue conversion.
7. Does the Merak have a built-in headphone amplifier?
   Its TPA6120 headphone stage is rated at no less than 210mW per channel into 32 ohms. It supports a published headphone impedance range of 16 to 300 ohms, although sensitivity also affects achievable volume.
8. Will it drive difficult planar-magnetic headphones?
   It may drive some planar headphones satisfactorily, but impedance alone does not indicate how much power a headphone requires. Particularly insensitive models may sound better through a dedicated external headphone amplifier connected to the Merak’s line output.
9. Can the Fosi Audio Merak play music from a USB drive?
   It supports compatible USB flash drives up to 128GB. Playback formats include MP3, WAV, FLAC, AAC, APE, and WMA. The drive should be formatted as FAT16 or FAT32 rather than NTFS.
10. How does CD ripping work on the Merak?
    Insert a CD and a compatible USB drive, then activate the ripping function. The Merak copies the audio to the drive as uncompressed 16-bit/44.1kHz WAV files. Ripping occurs without a computer, although filenames and metadata may need editing later.
11. Does the Merak include a power adaptor?
    A USB power cable is included, but market-specific package listings do not consistently include a wall adaptor. The player requires a stable 5V/2A USB power source. Confirm the supplied New Zealand package with Rapallo before purchase.
12. Is the Fosi Audio Merak portable?
    Its dimensions are portable, but it is primarily designed for stationary desktop use. It has no internal battery, and its top lid does not latch closed. Therefore, it must remain connected to USB power during operation.
13. What does the ESP switch do?
    ESP activates a 60-second electronic anti-shock buffer. This stored audio helps playback continue if vibration temporarily interrupts disc reading. It can be useful on a desk near speakers or in another vibration-prone location.
14. What is the Merak’s 12V trigger connection used for?
    The trigger output can switch compatible equipment on and off with the CD player. It is useful with supported amplifiers, DACs, or active speakers. It is a control connection and must not be connected to an audio input.

 

Key Features

Dedicated Top-Loading CD Mechanism

The Merak uses a top-loading disc mechanism with a transparent cover. This makes loading a CD quick while letting you see the disc during playback.

Its dedicated CD servo system is designed for accurate disc reading and stable operation. Opening the lid automatically stops playback through an integrated Hall sensor.

Cirrus Logic CS43131 DAC

A CS43131 digital-to-analogue converter handles internal audio conversion.

Fosi Audio publishes a 124dB signal-to-noise ratio and 0.0009% THD+N for the line output. As a result, the Merak can provide a clean analogue signal to an amplifier or powered speakers.

Integrated TPA6120 Headphone Amplifier

The front 3.5mm headphone output delivers at least 210mW per channel into 32 ohms.

It supports headphones with published impedances from 16 to 300 ohms. Therefore, the Merak can form a complete personal CD listening system without a separate headphone amplifier.

Very insensitive or particularly demanding headphones may still benefit from an external amplifier.

Native Gapless Playback

Gapless playback allows connected tracks to flow continuously.

This is especially valuable for concert recordings, opera, classical compositions, concept albums, and mixed electronic music. Many affordable CD players insert unwanted pauses, so this is a meaningful inclusion.

Optical Digital Output

The Toslink optical output lets the Merak operate as a dedicated CD transport.

Connect it to an external DAC, compatible integrated amplifier, AV receiver, or active speaker system. The external device then handles digital-to-analogue conversion.

Fixed Analogue Line Output

A rear 3.5mm line output provides a 2Vrms analogue signal for an amplifier or active speakers.

A 3.5mm-to-stereo-RCA cable may be required for conventional Hi-Fi amplifiers. Volume should then be controlled by the connected amplifier or speaker system.

USB Music Playback

The USB-A port supports music playback from compatible flash drives with capacities up to 128GB.

Supported formats include MP3, WAV, FLAC, AAC, APE, and WMA. The USB drive must use a compatible FAT16 or FAT32 file system.

One-Touch CD Ripping

The Merak can copy CD audio directly to a compatible USB drive without a computer.

Music is saved as uncompressed 16-bit/44.1kHz WAV audio. This provides a convenient way to begin digitising a physical CD collection.

Fosi Audio recommends a FAT32 USB drive of up to 32GB for the ripping function.

60-Second ESP Anti-Shock Buffer

Switchable Electronic Shock Protection buffers up to 60 seconds of audio.

This helps prevent interruptions caused by desk vibration, strong bass, accidental movement, or use in a vehicle. It can be disabled when it is not required.

OLED Information Display

The front OLED screen shows useful playback and operating information in a clear, compact format.

Physical controls provide direct access to playback functions. Meanwhile, the included remote allows convenient operation from a listening position.

12V Trigger Output

The trigger connection can control the power state of compatible equipment.

For example, it can help coordinate the Merak with supported Fosi Audio amplifiers, DACs, and active speakers. It carries a control signal rather than audio.

USB-Upgradable Firmware

Firmware updates can be installed from a compatible USB drive. This allows Fosi Audio to provide operating refinements or compatibility improvements after purchase.

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System Match Ideas

The Merak is an excellent match for a compact system built around a Fosi Audio ZA3 amplifier and bookshelf speakers.

Connect the Merak’s line output to the ZA3 with a 3.5mm-to-stereo-RCA cable. The internal CS43131 DAC will then handle conversion, while the ZA3 controls system volume and drives the speakers.

Alternatively, connect the optical output to a compatible external DAC or digital amplifier. This turns the Merak into a compact CD transport and leaves conversion to the connected component.

For private listening, simply connect suitable headphones to the front output. This creates a complete CD playback system with very little desk space required.

 

Specifications

Brand: Fosi Audio
Model: Merak
Product Type: Compact CD player, DAC, and headphone amplifier
Loading Mechanism: Manual top-loading
Disc Mechanism: Dedicated CD servo mechanism
Disc Formats: CDDA, CD-R, and CD-RW
CD-R Audio Formats: FLAC, WAV, WMA, AAC, and MP3
SACD Compatibility: Hybrid SACD CD layer only
Pure SACD Playback: No
MQA-CD Support: No
Gapless Playback: Yes
ESP Anti-Shock Protection: Yes, switchable
ESP Buffer: Up to 60 seconds
Decoder Chip: SC6137D
DAC: Cirrus Logic CS43131
Headphone Amplifier: TPA6120
Maximum Published Sample Rate: PCM 16-bit/96kHz
Inputs: CD and USB-A host
USB Playback: Yes
Maximum USB Drive Capacity: Up to 128GB for playback
USB File System: FAT16 or FAT32
USB Playback Formats: MP3, WAV, FLAC, AAC, APE, and WMA
CD Ripping: Yes
Ripping Format: Uncompressed WAV
Ripping Resolution: 16-bit/44.1kHz
Recommended Ripping Drive: FAT32 USB drive up to 32GB
Headphone Output: 3.5mm stereo
Headphone Power: At least 210mW + 210mW into 32 ohms
Supported Headphone Impedance: 16 to 300 ohms
Headphone Output SNR: 121dB, A-weighted
Headphone Output THD+N: 0.002%, A-weighted
Headphone Dynamic Range: 121dB
Analogue Line Output: 3.5mm stereo
Line Output Level: At least 2Vrms
Line Output SNR: 124dB, A-weighted
Line Output THD+N: 0.0009%, A-weighted
Line Output Dynamic Range: 124dB
Digital Output: Toslink optical
Balanced Output: No
Bluetooth: No
12V Trigger Output: Yes
Display: OLED
Remote Control: Infrared
Maximum Published Remote Range: Up to 7 metres
Firmware Updates: Via USB flash drive
Power Input: USB-C
Power Requirement: DC 5V/2A
Internal Battery: No
Width: Approximately 150mm
Height: Approximately 28mm
Depth: Approximately 150mm
Weight: Approximately 436g
Colour: Silver with orange volume control
Alternative Colours: Not publicly published

Included Accessories:

• Infrared remote control
• USB power cable
• User manual

Rapallo Product Data

EAN: Not publicly published
UPC: Not publicly published
GTIN: Not publicly published
Manufacturer Part Number: Merak

 

Why Buy From Rapallo

✔ Practical advice from experienced New Zealand audio specialists
✔ Help connecting the Merak to an amplifier, DAC, or active speakers
✔ Guidance on optical, line-level, headphone, and trigger connections
✔ Carefully selected cables, amplifiers, speakers, and headphones
✔ Assistance building a compact CD and streaming system
✔ New Zealand-based service and after-sales support
✔ Secure nationwide delivery
✔ Support before and after your purchase