12/04/2026
MERAK – Great Music Doesn’t Care About Formats
Year 2026. After decades of digital dominance, versions are beginning to resurface that the general public has never heard—magnificent recordings laser-etched onto discs that younger generations barely recognize.
Although the CD emerged in the early 1980s, it surpassed vinyl and cassette sales in less than a decade. But like all reigns, it wasn’t eternal. In the early 2000s, digital files began to take over, leaving the three major physical formats virtually extinct.
And yet, human nature doesn’t always seek perfection. There is a constant desire for that “something special” that brings emotion and soul to the experience.
Instant access and unlimited music are undeniably convenient, but they also introduce a certain disconnect in the listening experience. The specialized record stores are gone—the ones where someone would personally recommend a new release each week, often surprising you.
And this is where Merak comes in—Fosi Audio’s answer to enjoying music in a physical format, specifically CD.
Physical or digital?
In reality, both. A digital format with a physical dimension that brings it closer to the listener.
Listening to your favorite artist on a recording that, in many cases, is not the same version found on streaming services or radio playlists carries real weight. Add to that the ritual—opening the booklet, observing the artwork, dedicating time to listening… all of it transforms the experience compared to passive, sequential playback.
Merak allows us to rediscover CD collections that may have lost their place due to space constraints. It also opens the door to new releases that artists are once again issuing in physical format.
This is not a trend-driven product, but a CD player adapted to modern times—without compromising on sound quality.
The Merak is a compact CD player (150 × 150 × 28 mm), only slightly larger than a standard CD case. Its size makes it easy to transport or integrate into a home audio system with minimal footprint.
This time, Fosi Audio opts for a light metallic gray finish, moving away from the traditional black. A design direction already seen in the S3 streamer, breaking away from the usual austerity of audio sources.
This shift can be seen as a statement of intent: products with their own identity that, while aimed at the Hi-Fi market, fit naturally into any environment without requiring expertise.
For purists, however, there are already requests for black versions to maintain visual consistency with other components.
In terms of build quality, the Merak features a well-constructed plastic chassis with solid assembly and a fully featured front and rear panel. While CNC aluminum is absent, the overall finish remains in line with expectations.
The CD is loaded from the top via a transparent lid, allowing you to see the disc in motion—adding a distinctive visual element.
The Merak offers two clearly differentiated use modes: portable and desktop.
It includes a compact remote control, but its size encourages direct interaction through its physical controls.
On the front panel, six buttons handle power, output selection, playback, and REC functions, alongside an OLED display and a 3.5 mm headphone output.
This output is powered by a TPA6120, a well-known headphone amplifier design, delivering 210 mW x2 @ 32 Ω—more than sufficient for earphones like the IM4.
In portable mode, only a power source is required. Volume is adjusted via a side-mounted slider with an elegant orange accent.
There is no internal battery, allowing the device to be powered by any 5V/2A source or power bank. Power consumption is extremely low (1W during CD playback), resulting in excellent runtime. Additionally, the absence of a battery reduces weight and eliminates long-term degradation—an intelligent design choice.
In desktop mode, the Merak reveals its more audiophile-oriented side.
It includes:
Line output (3.5 mm)
USB port (read/write)
Optical SPDIF output
12V trigger output
It also features ESP (Electronic Skip Protection) to prevent interruptions during movement.
The integrated DAC is a Cirrus Logic CS43131, delivering performance well above what is typically found in this category:
Signal-to-noise ratio: 124 dB
THD+N: 0.0009%
Dynamic range: 124 dB
But the Merak goes beyond being just a CD player.
It can also function as a digital transport, feeding an external DAC and allowing users to rediscover nuances in CDs they thought they already knew.
Supported formats:
CD: CDDA, CD-R, CD-RW
CD-R files: FLAC, WAV, WMA, AAC, MP3
SACD: CD layer only
Because even at 44.1 kHz / 16-bit, there are true gems that haven’t been subjected to streaming compression. A great recording is not defined by numbers alone, but by the sum of its elements.
Additionally, it includes a particularly useful feature: USB recording.
It allows direct copying of tracks or entire discs to a USB drive (up to 128 GB) at 1X speed—even during playback.
USB playback formats:
MP3, WAV, FLAC, AAC, APE, WMA
This makes it easy to create custom compilations quickly and efficiently.
In transport mode, when paired with a DAC such as the ZH3 or the S3 streamer via optical output, the Merak truly shines.
The digital signal is transmitted without limitation, allowing every detail of the recording to be revealed.
With a simple press, users can select the source (CD/USB) and output type (line out, optical, or headphones), demonstrating its flexibility and adaptability to different setups.
Conclusion
The Merak is a source worth serious consideration.
For nostalgic listeners looking to rediscover their CD collections.
And for a new generation beginning to realize that music… was never just about the format.
Sometimes, what you’ve been searching for your whole life…
has been right there beside you all along.