ALL FOSI AUDIO PRODUCTS SOLD BY DOUGLAS HI-FI ARE SUPPLIED WITH A 3 YEAR WARRANTY
The Merak is engineered around a dedicated, top-loading CD mechanism and servo system optimized entirely for audio. Unlike multi- purpose DVD drives used in many budget players, this mechanism utilizes a highly precise clock and stable reading structure to extract maximum detail and lower jitter. A major highlight for audiophiles is its native support for proper gapless playback, ensuring uninterrupted listening during live concert recordings, concept albums, and classical symphonies.

FOSI AUDIO Merak CD Player

For direct listening, the player incorporates an internal Cirrus Logic CS43131 DAC paired with two Texas Instruments TPA6120 Class-AB op-amps. This combination decodes audio up to 16-bit/96kHz, yielding a clean 124dB Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) and an ultra-low 0.0009% total harmonic distortion. The integrated 3.5mm headphone jack outputs a robust 210mW per channel at 32 ohms, which provides ample voltage to easily drive a broad spectrum of desktop headphones ranging from 16 to 300 ohms.

Beyond its performance as a standalone player, the Merak can function as a dedicated digital CD transport. It features an optical (Toslink) digital output that bypasses the internal DAC, transmitting a clean, unprocessed 16-bit/44.1kHz signal straight to an external desktop DAC. The rear panel also includes fixed 2.0-volt RCA analog line outputs for connection to active speakers or integrated amplifiers, alongside a 12V trigger output to synchronize power-on/off states with the rest of your Hi-Fi stack.

LOSSLESS ONE-TOUCH CD RIPPING AND USB PLAYBACK
A standout modern feature is its computer-free, standalone CD ripping functionality. By inserting a FAT32-formatted USB flash drive (up to 128GB) into the rear USB-A port and pressing the record button, the Merak converts physical tracks directly into lossless 16-bit/44.1kHz WAV files. This USB-A port also doubles as a media player, allowing users to playback local audio files including MP3, WAV, FLAC, and APE formats directly through the device.

To handle real-world desktop environments, Fosi integrated Electronic Shock Protection (ESP) with a 60-second read buffer. This system prevents music skipping caused by desk vibrations, heavy bass frequencies, or accidental bumps. For operational safety and hardware longevity, the player uses a Hall sensor that triggers a Lid-Open Auto Stop mechanism, instantly halting disc rotation the moment the translucent top lid is lifted.

SPECIFICATIONS
Chipset: SC6137D + CS43131 + TPA612
Max Sampling Rate CD: PCM 16bit / 96kHz
USB (USB flash drives): PCM 16bit / 96kHz
Headphone Impedance: 16–300Ω
Input: USB-A (USB flash drives), CD
Output: 3.5mm Headphones Jack, LINE, OPT, 12V Trigger
CD Formats: CDDA, CD-R / CD-RW (partially readable). Original pressed discs are recommended
CD-R Formats: FLAC / WAV / WMA / AAC / MP3
SACD Playback: Only SACDs with a CD layer are supported
Formats for USB Drive Playback: MP3 / WAV / FLAC / AAC / APE / WMA
IR Remote Control: Supports a maximum operating distance of up to 7 meters
Input Voltage: DC 5V / 2A
Firmware Upgrade: Firmware can be updated online via a USB-A port using a USB flash drive
3.5mm Output Performance (CD) Rated Output Power: L+R ≥ 210mW + 210mW (32Ω / THD+N < 1%)
SNR: 121 dB (A-weighted)
THD+N: 0.002% (A-weighted)
Dynamic Range: 121 dB
Noise Floor: ≤ 3µV (A-weighted)
LINE Output Performance (CD) Output Level: ≥ 2Vrms
SNR: 124 dB (A-weighted)
THD+N: 0.0009% (A-weighted)
Dynamic Range: 124 dB
Noise Floor: ≤ 3µV (A-weighted)