Fosi Merak Review (CD Player)

[NicS]

Why do you want the SACD feature? SACD should have stopped being published by now, right?

There is quite a bit of material released on SACD still, but companies like MFSD and others. I have a pretty big collection of SACDs still, though all my recent purchases for HQ multichannel have been PureAudio BluRay, with Atmos and 5.1 mixes.

I’m not sure if SACD / DSD is a better playback format than PCM. I like the way my DSD content sounds. More importantly I like that I have a multichannel option.

I’d simply like a disc player that was simple and played anything audio put in it that looks like a CD. Just like the Fosi, with an HDMI output for Multichannel and plays BluRay (because then it will also play SACD).

 

[Roland68]

I am selling my Reavon UDP but keeping my Sony BluRay player, which I just use as a transport anyway. Be nice to have something simple and compact. Sony still makes disc drives that make great UDPs. And data is data. I don’t get why it’s that complicated.

There is quite a bit of material released on SACD still, but companies like MFSD and others. I have a pretty big collection of SACDs still, though all my recent purchases for HQ multichannel have been PureAudio BluRay, with Atmos and 5.1 mixes.

I’m not sure if SACD / DSD is a better playback format than PCM. I like the way my DSD content sounds. More importantly I like that I have a multichannel option.

I’d simply like a disc player that was simple and played anything audio put in it that looks like a CD. Just like the Fosi, with an HDMI output for Multichannel and plays BluRay (because then it will also play SACD).

This has nothing to do with complexity, but rather with available know-how and available materials.
Many of the CD players released over the last two years have been demonstrably unable to even play back all standard CDs. In addition, there are problems with CDs longer than 60 minutes, and also with playing continuous CDs without gaps.
Seems a bit more complicated after all, doesn't it?

What kind of disc drives does Sony actually manufacture these days?

Sony released its last Blu-ray player capable of playing SACDs eight years ago (the Sony UBP-X700). The Sony BDP-S1700, released ten years ago, cannot even play SACDs. And that, essentially, is where Sony’s lineup ends.

Despite the release of new SACD players in recent years, not a single one of them has been an affordable multichannel player.

 

[yuting]

This has nothing to do with complexity, but rather with available know-how and available materials.
Many of the CD players released over the last two years have been demonstrably unable to even play back all standard CDs. In addition, there are problems with CDs longer than 60 minutes, and also with playing continuous CDs without gaps.
Seems a bit more complicated after all, doesn't it?

What kind of disc drives does Sony actually manufacture these days?

Sony released its last Blu-ray player capable of playing SACDs eight years ago (the Sony UBP-X700). The Sony BDP-S1700, released ten years ago, cannot even play SACDs. And that, essentially, is where Sony’s lineup ends.

Despite the release of new SACD players in recent years, not a single one of them has been an affordable multichannel player.

thanks，What price do you think is an affordable price for products supporting SACD format?

 

[Roland68]

thanks，What price do you think is an affordable price for products supporting SACD format?

Overall, this is a difficult question, as it depends on one's perspective and the required functionality.
In my view, the target audience would clearly be audio enthusiasts looking for a multi-format transport.
This means the player would need to play CD/CD-DA, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-Audio, SACD, and HDCD discs without any limitations.
Optionally, it should also play audio files—such as MP3, FLAC, WAV, etc.—from CD-R, CD-RW, DVD±R, DVD±RW, and DVD-RAM media.
Video and Blu-ray playback are not required.

- Large display
- Tray-loading or top-loading mechanism; no slot-loading drive
- Multi-channel capability for SACD and DVD-Audio
- As a dedicated transport, no internal DAC is required
- Ideally, a compact desktop-style unit
- Quiet drive operation
- Fast drive performance
- Gapless playback; no issues with discs exceeding 60 (or 74) minutes; ideally, support for 80-minute CDs as well
- Automatic or manual selection between CD, DVD, and SACD modes
- Remote control included
- DSD output for SACD playback (given that anyone can now rip SACDs using a Sony BD player, restricting DSD output is essentially a joke)
- Outputs: 2-channel S/PDIF (Coaxial/Toslink), AES, I²S
- Outputs: Multi-channel HDMI; optionally I²S-TDM
- Optional USB Host output for connecting to external DACs

An entry-level price point of €/$ 500 would, of course, be fantastic for a multi-format transport, though a price of up to €/$ 1,000 would still be considered good value. While no one would object to an even lower price, we must also be realistic; You yourselves are well enough aware of the relationship between selling price and number of units sold.

 

[Scytales]

Overall, this is a difficult question, as it depends on one's perspective and the required functionality.
In my view, the target audience would clearly be audio enthusiasts looking for a multi-format transport.
This means the player would need to play CD/CD-DA, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-Audio, SACD, and HDCD discs without any limitations.
Optionally, it should also play audio files—such as MP3, FLAC, WAV, etc.—from CD-R, CD-RW, DVD±R, DVD±RW, and DVD-RAM media.
Video and Blu-ray playback are not required.

- Large display
- Tray-loading or top-loading mechanism; no slot-loading drive
- Multi-channel capability for SACD and DVD-Audio
- As a dedicated transport, no internal DAC is required
- Ideally, a compact desktop-style unit
- Quiet drive operation
- Fast drive performance
- Gapless playback; no issues with discs exceeding 60 (or 74) minutes; ideally, support for 80-minute CDs as well
- Automatic or manual selection between CD, DVD, and SACD modes
- Remote control included
- DSD output for SACD playback (given that anyone can now rip SACDs using a Sony BD player, restricting DSD output is essentially a joke)
- Outputs: 2-channel S/PDIF (Coaxial/Toslink), AES, I²S
- Outputs: Multi-channel HDMI; optionally I²S-TDM
- Optional USB Host output for connecting to external DACs

An entry-level price point of €/$ 500 would, of course, be fantastic for a multi-format transport, though a price of up to €/$ 1,000 would still be considered good value. While no one would object to an even lower price, we must also be realistic; You yourselves are well enough aware of the relationship between selling price and number of units sold.

I would add the ability to read Blue-Ray Discs, because music is released on this type of disc also, nowadays.

And an optional analogue multichannel (at least 6 ch.), low output impedance, output stage with built-in volume control and some basic equalization features (tone control and such) would be perfect to be able to use the source to drive directly power amplifiers or active speakers.

The capability to use all the features of the player without having to connect it to a display monitor in order to navigate through menus (a very cumbersome user interface for many users or use cases simply for listening to music) is very important.

 

[Roland68]

thanks，What price do you think is an affordable price for products supporting SACD format?

I would add the ability to read Blue-Ray Discs, because music is released on this type of disc also, nowadays.

And an optional analogue multichannel (at least 6 ch.), low output impedance, output stage with built-in volume control and some basic equalization features (tone control and such) would be perfect to be able to use the source to drive directly power amplifiers or active speakers.

The capability to use all the features of the player without having to connect it to a display monitor in order to navigate through menus (a very cumbersome user interface for many users or use cases simply for listening to music) is very important.

I deliberately omitted Pure Audio Blu-ray—partly because it represents an even smaller niche market than other formats, the drive mechanism is significantly more expensive, implementation is more complex, and the availability of suitable ICs is also an issue. Back when Oppo decided to exit this sector, they didn't have just one reason for doing so; rather, several factors converged.

I would also leave out any analog circuitry in this initial device.
It would be more sensible to build a separate, supplementary unit featuring both analog and digital multi-channel outputs—complete with volume control and adjustable time delay.
- Most potential buyers of the multi-format transport only use 2-channel and external DACs or AVRs.
- Including a DAC—or even analog multi-channel outputs—would merely drive up the device's cost significantly.
- With so many connectors on the rear panel, a compact form factor for the transport unit would no longer be feasible.

All these factors would result in a substantially higher development effort, a longer development cycle, increased component costs, and a larger physical device—which, in turn, would entail further expenses.
These costs would have to be amortized across a much smaller volume of units sold, ultimately making the device even more expensive.

 

[Audioagnostic]

The Sony S6700 is the cheapest player that I could find that plays SACD.

Only HDMI out. Not sure about hdcd decoding. Dvd, Blu Ray etc works.

If you just want to play a CD, connecting a TV is not really necessary.

I can confirm it plays long 60min+ CDs.

However. It is a bit noisy, its looks not exactly appealing.

But, can be had for a little over 100 euro here...

 

[Roland68]

The Sony S6700 is the cheapest player that I could find that plays SACD.

Only HDMI out. Not sure about hdcd decoding. Dvd, Blu Ray etc works.

If you just want to play a CD, connecting a TV is not really necessary.

I can confirm it plays long 60min+ CDs.

However. It is a bit noisy, its looks not exactly appealing.

But, can be had for a little over 100 euro here...

It cannot handle HDCDs—nor DVD-Audio, for that matter. Both of these are, in essence, competing formats to the SACD.
Fundamentally, almost all older Sony Blu-ray players are capable of playing SACDs (with the exception of the S1700). The easiest approach is to consult the list of devices compatible with SACD ripping; any device on that list will also be able to play SACDs.
Many used Sony Blu-ray players are available on eBay starting at just €20–€25.

Specifically, the S6700 is generally unable to rip SACDs—with the sole exception of the very first production batch.

 

[FuzzPizza]

I like that it is small and affordable, features I would like to see in another revision would be a 3.5mm to coaxial and Bluetooth with LDAC & aptX HD Support. I have several pieces of gear with a grey aluminum finish, but the Merak doesn't match any of them, the Fosi orange and black would look nice on it. If possible, these codecs supported for usb playback.


[td]DSD (".iso", ".dsf", ".dff") / DXD / APE / FLAC / ALAC / WAV / AIFF / AIF / DTS / MP3 / WMA / AAC / OGG / MP2 / M4A / AC3 / CUE / M3U[/td]

 

[yuting]

I deliberately omitted Pure Audio Blu-ray—partly because it represents an even smaller niche market than other formats, the drive mechanism is significantly more expensive, implementation is more complex, and the availability of suitable ICs is also an issue. Back when Oppo decided to exit this sector, they didn't have just one reason for doing so; rather, several factors converged.

I would also leave out any analog circuitry in this initial device.
It would be more sensible to build a separate, supplementary unit featuring both analog and digital multi-channel outputs—complete with volume control and adjustable time delay.
- Most potential buyers of the multi-format transport only use 2-channel and external DACs or AVRs.
- Including a DAC—or even analog multi-channel outputs—would merely drive up the device's cost significantly.
- With so many connectors on the rear panel, a compact form factor for the transport unit would no longer be feasible.

All these factors would result in a substantially higher development effort, a longer development cycle, increased component costs, and a larger physical device—which, in turn, would entail further expenses.
These costs would have to be amortized across a much smaller volume of units sold, ultimately making the device even more expensive.

thanks，If you were to make an SACD device, what requirements do you have for power supply, clock, and vibration isolation?

 

[Smitty2k1]

I have an SMSL P100 still new in box but this Fosi is what I really wanted when I bought the SMSL to make a tiny desktop stack with a DAC, Wiim Pro, and Mini PC!

 

[wgh52]

My Merak will arrive today. So I'm rather curious now: Can this small unit (sound quality wise) replace my slowly aging (fingers crossed - still working) CDP-XA555ES which is currently used "just" as a (large and heavy!) CD transport, feeding my digital chain over coax S/PDIF...

Regards,
Winfried

 

[Kr2d2]

[...]
From the digital output, I must qualify it as the "Absolute Transport". It is impossible to be asking for more since it ranked #1 in all my demanding tests. Looking again at the price… I’m speechless.

With an external DAC and very good headphone amplifier, it will be a killing machine. That is why I personally rated it as Excellent. It is the best CD Transport I measured, and the cheapest.

So the Merak is perfect for your current usecase as transport - at least soundwise (perfect is perfect!), but maybe not 'look-wise', compared with you charming old Sony!

Plus don't expect the Fosi to sound better, assuming the Sony is already bit-perfect as a transport, it will sound perfect as well.

EDIT: @wgh52 : where did you order the Merak? I'm from Germany as well and thinking about ordering as well...

 

[wgh52]

@wgh52 : where did you order the Merak? I'm from Germany as well and thinking about ordering as well...

Hello Kai,

I've ordered from the Fosi Audio Website on May 9th, the unit arrived here today. Yes, delivery took a while, but the delivery routing and progress was very well tracked. I've unpacked the device, but didn't try it functionally yet...

Regards,
Winfried

 

[teej]

I've been putting this thing through its paces and have been highly satisfied so far. Looks and feels solid, remote is a step above the chintzy standard remote that tends to come with these Fosi/Douk/Nobsound components. Onboard DAC sounds fantastic (I was nervous about this one having been let down in the past by other small form factor cd players with clear tops). Well thought-out lil' unit all around. If they could find a way to add proper SACD playback to a comparable unit, I'd buy several.

 

[Sunship]

Ordered one the minute I saw the review. I listen to mostly vinyl or AIFFs on a SSD but still have around a hundred CDs that I'm somewhat attached to. This is perfect for me. Great as a transport, small, gapless, and you can see the disc spinning which is kind-of-fun-and-makes-it-that-little-bit-different-from-streaming-and-why-not-if-one's-going-to-make-the effort-of-playing-a-CD-might-as-well-see-it-spin-so-let's-have-it. I play it through a Benchmark DAC2 and it works and sounds as great as it should.

Couple of other (Good) things:

• Works fine with and old iphone charger rated only 1A.
• The supplied USB cable is quite long, and supple, long enough to reach an outlet or power strip on the floor.
• It was completely unbothered by a very scratched CD that my old player had trouble with and that was difficult to rip.
• No problem with a 70+ min CD.
• I read/heard someone here or on Youtube say that it skipped the first second of some tracks. I haven't seen that happen.
• Even though it's plastic, it feels quite nice and not cheap or brittle, the remote is also perfectly fine.

 

[NTTY]

Great feedback, thanks!

 

[Sunship]

One thing I would like (Possible software update?) would be the possibility to switch the display to a large track number and nothing else.
Either using the display button on the remote, or the switch happening by itself after a couple of seconds of play.

The other informations on the display are not that useful once you've chosen your inputs, outputs and sound level when applicable.

 

[NicS]

One thing I would like (Possible software update?) would be the possibility to switch the display to a large track number and nothing else.
Either using the display button on the remote, or the switch happening by itself after a couple of seconds of play.

The other informations on the display are not that useful once you've chosen your inputs, outputs and sound level when applicable.

I think would be a good option to have in Settings. If the player is to be used at a distance a large track number would be helpful. But if the unit will always be on a sector, then not so much. It would be a great UI addition though: Toggle UI to large Track number after 5 seconds (toggle on/off)

 

[yuting]

I think would be a good option to have in Settings. If the player is to be used at a distance a large track number would be helpful. But if the unit will always be on a sector, then not so much. It would be a great UI addition though: Toggle UI to large Track number after 5 seconds (toggle on/off)

good idea，i will think add it