If you have any questions, please refer here: FAQs
Review Videos
$140 Gets You More Than You Think
Matt Coykendall
Finally, a Cheap CD Player that Makes Sense!
Forever Analog
Prezzi Umani per l'Hi-Fi
Riccardo Palombo
CDs sind zurück?! Macht der Merak sie wieder spannend?
andisolo
$140 Gets You More Than You Think
Matt Coykendall
Finally, a Cheap CD Player that Makes Sense!
Forever Analog
Prezzi Umani per l'Hi-Fi
Riccardo Palombo
CDs sind zurück?! Macht der Merak sie wieder spannend?
andisolo
Wake Your CD Collection Again
Fosi Audio Merak CD Player
Merak takes its name from Beta Ursae Majoris, a star in the constellation Ursa Major. It has often been used as a reference point for locating the North Star, symbolizing guidance and direction. Inspired by this meaning, we hope Merak becomes a point of reference in your listening journey—bringing more precise imaging and a more immersive experience.
Seamless System Integration
With optical and line outputs, it connects easily to DACs, amplifiers, or active speakers. The included remote control allows convenient input/output switching and track selection. A 12V Trigger output enables synchronized power with Fosi devices like ZD3 and ZA3.
Precision mechanism and servo system ensure accurate disc reading, stable tracking, and smooth playback with reduced disc wear.
Precision Mech & Servo System
Gapless Playback
Gapless playback eliminates track gaps, making it ideal for live recordings and symphonic music.
Built for Daily Use
Four Playback Modes
Easily switch between Play Once, Repeat One, Repeat All, and Shuffle using the front panel controls or the remote.
Flexible Playback Control
Lid-Open Auto Stop
Automatically stops playback when the lid is opened, preventing disc rotation and reducing mechanical stress during operation.
Playback Stops When Opened
ESP Anti-Skip
ESP minimizes playback interruptions from vibration, ensuring stable performance during movement or external disturbances.
Electronic Shock Protection
Plug and Play
Equipped with a 3.5mm headphone jack delivering up to 210mW ×2 of output power. Simply plug in your headphones and enjoy your own private listening moment. Its compact design fits easily on a bedside table or beside the sofa, letting you fully relax and unwind with music.
Simple Setup, Instant Playback
Curated Audio Chipset
Built-in CS43131 DAC paired with 2 TPA6120 op-amps design, Merak supports up to PCM 16bit/96kHz audio. With a 124dB SNR and 0.0009% THD, it delivers a clean signal faithful to the original CD recording.
Greater Fidelity
CD Ripping
Merak features one-touch CD ripping, saving original CD audio as 16bit/44.1kHz WAV files to a USB drive without loss of quality. Equipped with a USB-A input, supporting USB drives up to 128GB for direct music playback.
USB Drive Playback
As Seen On
“This is what happens when a company is laser focused on customer needs and excellence in engineering.”
"If you want a small, simple, affordable integrated amp with lots of power, the Fosi Audio BT20A Pro is your best choice."
“Are they the last word in anything? Of course not. But where value for money is concerned – and that is made up of a combination of performance, specification, build quality, pride of ownership, user interface (such as it is where a product like the V3 monoblock is concerned) – the company seems to hit the nail on the head.”
“Team Fosi does clear, controlled, clean-as-a-whistle ‘hi-fi’ like a dream”
"Long story short, the Fosi V3 Mono Amp is one of the best power amplifiers I have ever reviewed to this day."
"It may not look like it, but the Fosi Audio BT20A Pro is a powerful amplifier in a small package. It may be barebones, but it sounds bigger than the price tag would have you expecting."
"You don’t need to spend thousands or even hundreds to gain entry into Audiophile Land. Fosi Audio’s DS2 2024 is proof of that!"
"What I have learned for sure, though, is that Fosi Audio goes about things the right way and is far more sincere than it is cynical in its efforts to part you from your hard-earned."
"The affordable Fosi Audio DS1 is our favorite headphone amp/DAC because it has the needed connections and power output to suit most headphones."
Product details
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.
The Fosi Audio Merak CD Player is a compact, desktop-style Hi-Fi device designed to blend traditional CD playback with modern digital features.
How to check USB drive format?
Windows: This PC → Manage → Disk Management → Check USB format Supported: ✔ FAT32 Unsupported: ✘ NTFS Recommendation: Most new USB drives are preformatted as FAT32.
Does playback stop when opening the CD lid?
Yes. Reason: Merak uses Hall sensor detection. Behavior: Opening the lid during playback immediately stops playback. Status: ✔ Normal design behavior
Does Merak meet environmental standards?
Yes. Compliance: ✔ ROHS 2.0 ✔ REACH
Does Merak support SACD?
Partial support. Supported: ✔ CD layer only Unsupported: ✘ SACD high-resolution layer
Why use a dedicated CD mechanism instead of a DVD mechanism to play CDs?
Dedicated CD mechanism is specifically optimized for audio playback, including a more precise clock system, a more stable reading structure, and an optimized digital signal path. Compared to a general-purpose DVD mechanism, it typically delivers clearer audio detail and a more stable soundstage performance.
Why is ESP anti-shock protection included in a desktop CD player?
Although ESP is more commonly used in portable devices, it is included for the following scenarios: 1. Users may use the device in a car, where vibrations can affect playback stability; 2. On a desktop, strong bass or high-energy music may still cause vibration that impacts disc reading stability.
Very nice, well built. Good instruction manual. Shipping took about two weeks. Would be nice if they had a US warehouse.
R
Rick E.
And excellent little CD player!
I’m genuinely impressed with the Merak CD player. It fires up instantly, reads discs quickly, and the audio quality is rich, clean, and surprisingly dynamic. It’s compact, stylish, and feels like a premium upgrade without the premium price. A great addition to any listening setup.
M
Michael B.
The CD Player I was missing
I was really excited when I got to see the Merak demo'd at a trade show. So much so, that I went and ordered one right after I saw it! Now that I've had it for a while, I can say I have no regrets.
I've used it both as a standalone CD player, and also as a CD transport. While I liked it as a transport (using optical), I found myself using it more as a CD player because the thing just sounds so dang good with the built in dac chip. Now I have it as part of my larger AV set up, and I often put on a CD and just chill with it.
One nice thing about it is that if you are using it at a desk, you can plug your headphones in directly, and use the volume slider on the side.
You can also rip CDs, but I haven't really played with that feature yet. But everything else works smoothly. Strong recommend for anyone looking for a compact, good sounding CD player.
K
Kevin G.
Fosi Audio Merak CD Player
a
andrew f.
Good basic cd player
I was looking for a low cost solution, and this has worked out nicely. Easy to use, just search online for instructions if you’re stumped. Learn the remote features, they’re useful. No skips, blips or other sonic imperfections.
