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
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"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."
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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.
The Merak is exactly what I was looking for. A compact cd player without fuzz to connect to my old Harman Kardon Soundstick III. It works great and also fits the aesthetic of the set with the transparent lid. I have been having fun playing my 20 years old cd collection. Only one minor fault, the lid doesn’t soft close…I would have liked that.
J
Jim45377
Portable? Hardly!
One of the main reasons I purchased this was the word "portable". Impossible with no rechargeable battery onboard. Pretty useless to.
On top of that it will not even play a CD, even though there is life in the display.
I just received it yesterday and will be contacting Fosi. But so far I'm not happy with this purchase.
Y
Yves P.
Excellent
Just a Great CD Player for Less !
J
James N.
Fosi Merak CD Player
Played two discs then failed. Won't read discs any longer. Fosi customer support has been very good to this point. Have not yet received my warranty replacement so leaving 2 stars. Understand these things happen and can boost rating if replacement unit has some longevity.
R
Richard M.
sound is wonderful, especially the very low noise floor. too many buttons and selections. battery operation would be nice. Overall this is a wonderful cd player. Competes with a high-end player. A very nice stereo addition at a reasonable price.
