Fosi Merak Drop Tested: $140 CD Transport, Player & Ripper Review
Fosi Audio Merak CD Transport Review
Overview of the Fosi Audio Merak
- The Fosi Audio Merak is an affordable portable CD transport and player that allows users to rip music from CDs to a flash drive via a USB host A port.
- Constructed entirely from plastic, it features a Cyrus Logic chip and includes a headphone stage suitable for high-efficiency in-ear monitors (IEMs).
Sound Quality Assessment
- The analog output through the 3.5 mm stereo jack provides adequate sound quality for entry-level systems but lacks refinement compared to higher-end models like the FiiO DM15R2R.
- The device can read various hybrid discs, including SACD and MQA formats, making it versatile for different audio sources.
Performance Insights
- While the sound quality is generally good, it may not be state-of-the-art; the CD drive mechanism is somewhat noisy during operation.
- The performance as a transport largely depends on the paired DAC; it's designed for entry-level components but can still perform well with higher-end systems.
Ripping Functionality
- Ripping CDs to a flash drive is straightforward but lacks automatic metadata retrieval, requiring manual input by users.
- Although there are some downsides such as no locking mechanism for the lid and noticeable noise when changing tracks, overall functionality remains efficient at its price point of $140.