The Fosi Audio MERAK CD Player combines a precision CD transport, Cirrus Logic CS43131 DAC, and Texas Instruments TPA6120 headphone amplifier to deliver detailed, high-fidelity sound from your favorite CDs. Featuring USB flash drive playback, one-touch CD ripping to lossless WAV files, a 3.5mm headphone output, analog line output, optical digital output, and 12V trigger connectivity, the MERAK offers flexible integration into modern Hi-Fi systems. With gapless playback, 60-second ESP anti-skip protection, an OLED display, and an included infrared remote, this compact desktop CD player makes enjoying and preserving your physical music collection easier than ever.
Get the Details

Fosi Audio MERAK CD Player with DAC & Headphone Amplifier

Rediscover your favorite albums with the Fosi Audio MERAK CD Player, a compact, high-fidelity desktop CD player designed to bring exceptional sound quality, modern connectivity, and convenient digital features to your music collection. Combining a precision CD transport, Cirrus Logic CS43131 digital-to-analog converter, and Texas Instruments TPA6120 headphone amplifier, the MERAK delivers detailed, low-distortion sound whether you're listening through headphones, powered speakers, or a dedicated Hi-Fi system. With USB flash drive playback, one-touch CD ripping, optical digital and analog audio outputs, and a 12V trigger output, the MERAK offers a versatile way to enjoy physical media while integrating seamlessly into modern audio systems.

Engineered for accurate and reliable CD playback, the MERAK features a dedicated CD mechanism with an optimized servo system that ensures precise disc reading and smooth operation. Its top-loading design provides easy access to your favorite discs, while gapless playback preserves the uninterrupted flow of live albums, classical recordings, and other continuous performances. Built-in Electronic Skip Protection (ESP) provides up to 60 seconds of audio buffering to help prevent playback interruptions caused by vibration or movement. Compatible with standard audio CDs, supported CD-R and CD-RW discs, and the standard CD layer of hybrid SACDs, the MERAK makes it easy to revisit your physical music collection with excellent clarity and consistency.

At the heart of the MERAK is a carefully selected audio chipset consisting of an SC6137D processing chip, Cirrus Logic CS43131 DAC, and Texas Instruments TPA6120 headphone amplifier. The dedicated 3.5mm headphone output delivers at least 210mW per channel into 32 ohms, providing ample power for a wide range of wired headphones with impedances from 16 to 300 ohms. For integration with larger audio systems, the analog line output delivers at least 2Vrms with a signal-to-noise ratio of 124dB and total harmonic distortion plus noise of just 0.0009%. An optical digital output also allows the MERAK to function as a dedicated CD transport, sending a bit-perfect 16-bit/44.1kHz signal to a compatible external DAC or digital-equipped amplifier.

Beyond traditional CD playback, the Fosi Audio MERAK adds convenient ways to enjoy and preserve your music collection. Its USB-A port supports direct playback from compatible flash drives with MP3, WAV, FLAC, AAC, APE, and WMA files. A built-in CD ripping function allows you to convert audio CDs directly into uncompressed 16-bit/44.1kHz WAV files on a compatible FAT32-formatted USB drive without using a computer. Whether you want to digitize an older collection or listen to music stored on a flash drive, the MERAK combines physical and digital playback in one easy-to-use device.

Designed for everyday convenience, the MERAK features a high-contrast OLED display that shows track information, playback status, and elapsed time, along with intuitive front-panel controls and a distinctive side-mounted volume slider. The included infrared remote offers convenient control over playback, track selection, and listening modes from up to 7 meters away. Its 3.5mm analog line output connects to compatible amplifiers and powered speakers, while the optical output accommodates external DACs. A dedicated 12V trigger output can also synchronize power with compatible components such as the Fosi Audio ZA3 amplifier. With its compact design, flexible connectivity, and impressive audio performance, the Fosi Audio MERAK is an excellent choice for music lovers looking to bring their CD collection back into their everyday listening experience.

Specifications

• Brand: Fosi Audio
• Model: MERAK
• Product Type: Desktop CD player, CD transport, DAC, and headphone amplifier
• CD Mechanism: Precision top-loading CD transport with optimized servo system
• Audio Processing Chip: SC6137D
• DAC Chip: Cirrus Logic CS43131
• Headphone Amplifier Chip: Texas Instruments TPA6120
• CD Playback: Standard audio CDs and compatible recordable discs
• Supported Disc Formats: CDDA, CD-R, and CD-RW (partial compatibility)
• Recommended Disc Type: Original pressed audio CDs
• Supported CD-R File Formats: FLAC, WAV, WMA, AAC, and MP3
• SACD Compatibility: CD layer of hybrid SACDs only; high-resolution SACD layer is not supported
• Maximum CD Audio Sampling Rate: PCM 16-bit/96kHz (manufacturer-listed decoding specification)
• Standard Audio CD Resolution: PCM 16-bit/44.1kHz
• Maximum USB Audio Sampling Rate: PCM 16-bit/96kHz
• USB Drive Audio Formats: MP3, WAV, FLAC, AAC, APE, and WMA
• USB Playback Capacity: Supports compatible USB flash drives up to 128GB
• USB File System: FAT32
• CD Ripping: Direct audio CD extraction to USB flash drive
• CD Ripping File Format: Uncompressed WAV
• CD Ripping Resolution: 16-bit/44.1kHz
• CD Ripping USB Requirements: FAT32-formatted USB flash drive up to 32GB
• Gapless Playback: Supported
• Electronic Skip Protection: ESP anti-skip buffering
• ESP Buffer: Up to 60 seconds
• ESP Control: Dedicated rear-panel on/off switch
• Playback Modes: Play Once, Repeat One, Repeat All, and Shuffle
• Audio Inputs: CD transport and USB-A flash drive input
• Headphone Output: 1 × 3.5mm single-ended stereo output
• Analog Line Output: 1 × 3.5mm stereo line-level output
• Digital Audio Output: 1 × optical TOSLINK
• Optical CD Output Resolution: Bit-perfect PCM 16-bit/44.1kHz
• 12V Trigger: 1 × 12V trigger output
• 12V Trigger Function: Synchronized power control for compatible downstream components
• USB-A Port: Flash drive playback, CD ripping, and firmware updates
• USB-C Port: DC power input
• Headphone Impedance Compatibility: 16–300 ohms
• Headphone Output Power: At least 210mW + 210mW into 32 ohms (THD+N below 1%)
• Headphone Output Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 121dB (A-weighted)
• Headphone Output THD+N: 0.002% (A-weighted)
• Headphone Output Dynamic Range: 121dB
• Headphone Output Noise Floor: 3µV or less (A-weighted)
• Analog Line Output Level: At least 2Vrms
• Analog Line Output Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 124dB (A-weighted)
• Analog Line Output THD+N: 0.0009% (A-weighted)
• Analog Line Output Dynamic Range: 124dB
• Analog Line Output Noise Floor: 3µV or less (A-weighted)
• Display: High-contrast OLED display
• Display Information: Track number, playback status, and elapsed playback time
• Disc Loading: Top-loading lid with clip-style disc holder
• Disc Safety: Hall sensor automatically stops playback when the lid is opened
• Volume Control: Side-mounted sliding volume control
• Front-Panel Controls: Power/input selection, play/pause, previous track, next track, stop, and CD ripping
• Remote Control: Included infrared remote
• Remote Operating Range: Up to 7 meters (approximately 23 feet)
• Remote Functions: Playback, track selection, listening modes, volume, and input/output control
• Firmware Updates: Supported through USB-A using a USB flash drive
• Power Requirement: DC 5V/2A
• Power Connection: USB-C
• Built-In Battery: No
• Built-In Speakers: No
• Bluetooth Connectivity: No
• Wi-Fi Connectivity: No
• USB DAC Computer Input: No
• Environmental Compliance: RoHS 2.0 and REACH
• Manufacturer Warranty: 24-month limited warranty
• Included Accessories: Fosi Audio MERAK CD Player, USB-A to USB-C cable, infrared remote control, and user manual

What It's Great At

• Precision CD Playback: A dedicated CD transport with an optimized servo mechanism and gapless playback delivers reliable, uninterrupted listening for standard audio CDs and supported recordable discs.
• High-Fidelity DAC and Headphone Amplification: The Cirrus Logic CS43131 DAC and Texas Instruments TPA6120 headphone amplifier provide clean, detailed audio with at least 210mW per channel at 32 ohms for compatible wired headphones.
• Convenient CD Ripping and USB Playback: Convert audio CDs directly into lossless 16-bit/44.1kHz WAV files on a compatible USB drive, or play MP3, FLAC, WAV, and other supported digital music formats without a computer.
• Flexible Analog and Digital Outputs: A 3.5mm headphone output, analog line output, and optical digital output allow the MERAK to connect directly to headphones, powered speakers, external amplifiers, or a dedicated DAC.
• Reliable Playback with Anti-Skip Protection: Built-in ESP technology provides up to 60 seconds of buffering to help minimize playback interruptions caused by vibration, while the top-loading mechanism offers convenient disc access.
• Convenient System Integration and Control: An OLED display, included infrared remote, adjustable volume slider, and 12V trigger output make the MERAK easy to operate and integrate into a compact desktop or full-size Hi-Fi system.

FAQ Section

Q: What is the Fosi Audio MERAK CD Player?
A: The Fosi Audio MERAK is a compact desktop CD player that combines a dedicated CD transport, Cirrus Logic CS43131 DAC, and Texas Instruments TPA6120 headphone amplifier. It supports standard CD playback, USB flash drive audio, CD ripping, and multiple audio outputs for connecting headphones, powered speakers, amplifiers, and external DACs.

Q: What types of CDs can the Fosi Audio MERAK play?
A: The MERAK supports standard audio CDs (CDDA) and offers partial compatibility with CD-R and CD-RW discs. It can also play the standard CD layer of compatible hybrid SACDs, but it does not support the high-resolution SACD layer. Original pressed audio CDs are recommended for the most reliable playback.

Q: Can the Fosi Audio MERAK rip CDs to a USB drive?
A: Yes. The MERAK includes a built-in CD ripping function that converts audio CDs into uncompressed 16-bit/44.1kHz WAV files without requiring a computer. For CD ripping, use a FAT32-formatted USB flash drive with a capacity of 32GB or less.

Q: Does the Fosi Audio MERAK support USB music playback?
A: Yes. The rear USB-A port supports direct music playback from compatible flash drives up to 128GB. Supported audio formats include MP3, WAV, FLAC, AAC, APE, and WMA, with decoding support up to 16-bit/96kHz. The USB-A port also supports CD ripping and firmware updates.

Q: Can I connect the Fosi Audio MERAK directly to headphones?
A: Yes. The MERAK includes a dedicated 3.5mm headphone output powered by a Texas Instruments TPA6120 amplifier. It delivers at least 210mW per channel at 32 ohms and supports headphones with impedances ranging from 16 to 300 ohms, making it suitable for many wired headphones and in-ear monitors.

Q: Does the Fosi Audio MERAK have optical and analog audio outputs?
A: Yes. The MERAK features a 3.5mm stereo analog line output for connecting to compatible amplifiers or powered speakers, along with an optical TOSLINK output for connection to an external DAC or digital-equipped amplifier. When used as a CD transport, the optical output delivers a bit-perfect 16-bit/44.1kHz digital audio signal.

Q: Does the Fosi Audio MERAK have a 12V trigger?
A: Yes. The MERAK includes a 12V trigger output that can automatically synchronize power with compatible downstream audio components. This makes it useful when paired with equipment such as the Fosi Audio ZA3 amplifier that supports a 12V trigger input.

Q: Does the Fosi Audio MERAK have Bluetooth or a built-in battery?
A: No. The MERAK does not include Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or a built-in rechargeable battery. It is designed for desktop and home audio use and requires a DC 5V/2A power source through its USB-C power connection. It also does not include built-in speakers, so audio playback requires connected headphones or an external audio system.