Bluesound – VAULT 2i 2TB Streaming Media Player – Black Matte

Customer Reviews (13)

1. 

   LinHoov – December 17, 2019

   Rated 5 out of 5

   I bought mine with the assistance of Kevin in Magnolia at a Best Buy in NJ. He helped us out with many things & did a great job.

   I have this set up with Bowers & Wilkins speakers. It has a terabyte of memory to store burned CDs but can stream music from my phone or iPad easily. Since it connects with Bluetooth and I walk away with my phone, I bought a cheap iPad just to have next to the equipment. I can stream Spotify, etc., from there. And guests can also easily select music, or connect with their own phones and play from their own apps & playlists.

   Next: I want to get the power nodes and set up in other rooms.

2. 

   CLS3635 – December 11, 2020

   Rated 2 out of 5

   I purchased this item because of its advertised ability to rip and store CDs. I have over 250 CDs in an player and wanted to be able to store them digitally. I found this unit very difficult to navigate. It comes with no manual so you have to go online try to find an answer to the simplest of questions. It will not simply play one CD and advance to the next; you must build play list, which I also found hard to navigate. For such an expensive unit, I cannot say it is worth the money. Customer support is minimally helpful. Would not recommend this product.

3. 

   Rockon – January 30, 2021

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Excellent product. Easy to use. Would recommend to someone in the market.

4. 

   Hmirza – March 8, 2021

   Rated 4 out of 5

   Audiophiles Dream

   Over the years many of us have amassed a large number of our favorite music on CDs, even though it used to be a good option, in todays day and age it seems a bit outdated. You need change the CD when you want to listen to something else and when you move to another place you have to drag all your music collection with you. Well, Bluesound came up with a great solution with the Bluesound Vault 2i. The Vault allows you to rip, store, and stream all your favorite music CDs into one convenient device all without a need for a computer. Now, let’s go over some of the features PROS and CONS of the Bluesound Vault 2i.
   Specs:
   The Vault measures in at about 3.5 inches in Height, 8.5 in Width and 7.5 in Depth and roughly weighs about 4 lbs. and comes in two color options black and white. The Vault has built-in storage of 2 terabytes, but you also have the option of adding an external storage via the two USB slots in the back. The Vault offers a variety of output options 3.5mm audio, Coaxial digital audio, Ethernet, RCA, Toslink optical, USB x 2, Micro USB and lastly Bluetooth.
   Features:
   The vault offers the option to connect your favorite online music service provider and also offers a ton a free online radio and music options. The vault is also compatible with Amazon Alexa, Apple Home Kit, Siri and google home. I don’t not have an Amazon Alexa, or Apple Home kit but I did not encounter any issues connecting to my Google Home devices and was able to use the Vault on my Bluetooth headphones, soundbar and even my Bluetooth soundbar built-in to my kitchen refrigerator and the sound was amazing on all my devices. The vault offers high resolution sound quality in a variety of playable formats such as AAC, AIFF, ALAC, FLAC, MP3, MQA, OGG, Opus, WAV, WMA, WMA Lossless.
   The best feature of the Vault is its ability to rip and store and stream all your favorite CDs. On the provided 2 terabytes of space you can rip and store almost 5000 CDs as a FLAC format, that’s a lot of storage space for your CDs. You can customize your playlist as you like using the BluOS app. So, far I have ripped almost about 20 CDs on to the Vault and they all work great and sound amazing. The only thing I noticed was that the ripping process was a bit slow, but not terribly slow, as long as it preserves the integrity and quality of music, which it did, I didn’t mind.
   The BlueOS app is probably the only thing I had encountered and issue with. I must say its not user friendly and I had to google stuff to figure out how to connect certain things. In my opinion the BluOS app could use some improvements to make things a bit easier to find and to connect Bluetooth devices, but this should be an easy fix.

   PRO-
   High Resolution Audio
   Storage Capacity – 2 Terabytes
   Network Streaming
   CD Ripping Ability
   Multiple audio outputs
   Multiple Playable formats

   CON-
   BluOS app – Not user friendly at all

   All in all, the Bluesound Vault 2i is great product for any audiophile. I would highly recommend anyone in the market and anyone looking to cut down on their CDs collection to definitely check this unit out.

5. 

   OBCareful – March 10, 2021

   Rated 1 out of 5

   I bought this a month ago. Spent 30 minutes twice, waiting for the Bluesound support people to even pick up the phone. Unsuccessful both times before my patience gave out.
   The Magnolia manager was very positive on this system when he sold it to me, and in his defense told me to expect a bit of trouble setting it up. But OMG, I never expected anything like this. You have to run the correct version of windows, or it doesn’t work. And I couldn’t get the current Samsung phone to work with the app either, which is critical to using this thing.
   Ultimately, I gave up for now and returned it days after buying it. I still totally trust the Magnolia guy in the store and will have him design a system for me. But there is no chance I will buy anything at this price point that is this complicated to use. I have almost 1,000 CD’s and want to record them in a lossless environment. But I want to be able hear them afterword. And for $1,200 the interface should be at LEAST as easy to use as Apple and Samsung’s players, which are FREE.

6. 

   Ace254687 – March 12, 2021

   Rated 4 out of 5

   The Bluesound Vault 2i is a great device, capable of doing many things. Unfortunately, figuring out how to use it is not so simple. If you’re familiar with how a NAS drive works, then this shouldn’t be that difficult for you. Otherwise, you will have to do some research as the instructions (or lack thereof) don’t tell you anything.

   What is the Bluesound Vault 2i? Essentially, the Vault is a CD ripper, music streamer, 32-bit DAC, NAS (Network attached storage), and a 2tb hard drive – all built into one small box. The Vault comes equipped with an RCA out output, optical output, 2 – USB slots used for extra storage or you can back up your library, a gigabit ethernet port, and supports Bluetooth and AirPlay2. The Vault lets you connect to many HiFi music streaming services such as Tidal, Amazon Music, TuneIn etc… Unfortunately, it does not connect to Apple Music as of now, but you can just stream it using airplay2.

   How it works? The way the Vault works, is it rips a CD into FLAC files, then stores it onto the built in HDD. It does take a few minutes to complete, as it rips at a speed of about 2.1x. This is actually a good thing, as it carefully reads the files accurately bit by bit. Once the CD is ripped, it is then automatically stored into your library with track names and cover art. You can then stream it to other Bluesound devices or play it directly from the Vault 2i with wired speakers.

   When I first received the Vault, I spent about 3 days trying to figure out how to get the full use out of it. The manual that comes in the box, is just a quick set up on how to plug it in and download the app. Once I was able to figure it all out, I really started to like it a lot. I went and grabbed my old CD collection and went to town. Seeing how some of my CD’s I purchased where over 20 years ago, many of them were fairly scratched. The ripper has a hard time decoding scratched CD’s, and many times failed to rip the CD, or it rips half the CD and then ejects due to read error. The good thing about this, if you want to clean it off and try again, the Vault will just add the files to the CD instead of making a whole new copy. I also tried to insert a CD-R disc that I had, just to see if it would work. While it does work and rips the files in your library, it does not add track names or artwork.

   Editing music stored on your Vault’s HDD requires you to connect it a PC or Mac using filesharing. In my case, I connected it to my Macbook pro which was very easy. This is when I started to appreciate the Vault’s software, the way it organizes and stores all your files is very articulate and clean. It would be nice if the app would let you edit your vault’s contents, but the only thing you can do is re index your library. The BluOS app is the app that you use to control your Vault and play music. This is also where you would add your music streaming services. The app is limited to just viewing the contents of your Vault and re indexing your library. Overall, the app does function well although I have had trouble connecting Bluetooth devices through the app. Sometimes it just hangs while trying to find the device, other times it won’t ever find the device. Also, the artwork does tend to be low quality.

   The Vault needs to be plugged in directly to your router in order to work, there is no built-in WiFi. This is not really ideal, seeing how my good speakers are in another room and can’t bring them to the Vault. The good news about the Vault being connected to the router, you are able to access your vault’s library through network share. And yes, you can add your Vault’s library to Sonos!!

   Overall, I really like the Bluesound Vault 2i. The ability to rip and store all my CDs in FLAC files on the 2TB built in HDD is great. The sound quality of the built-in DAC is really good. Plus, the ability to add my Vault to Sonos is a huge bonus. The built-in software that organizes and stores your CDs is very impressive and works flawlessly. The BluOS app is a little buggy when trying to connect Bluetooth speakers, and the artwork quality could use some improvements but overall, it works as intended. The one thing the company really needs to work on, is the instructions. They need to do a much better job explaining how to set up the network share and so forth. If you are looking to store all you CDs on a NAS drive, then I would definitely recommend this to anyone.

   Pro:
   Good sound quality
   2TB internal storage
   Great built-in organizing software
   Can add your stored library to Sonos!

   Cons:
   Terrible instructions
   BluOS app has limited features/buggy
   The ripper is bad at ripping scratched CDs
   Has to be hardwired to the router/no WIFI

7. 

   zboot – March 23, 2021

   Rated 2 out of 5

   The Bluesound Vault 2i is essentially a network connected hard drive that’s capable of ripping music from CDs and streaming music from typical streaming sources, with playback via either wired (RCA/digital audio/3.5mm out) or wireless to compatible speakers. While the product description suggests that this will let you stream music from the Vault, that is not strictly accurate. You can control playback from your favorite smart assistant, but the actual audio from it will only go to the wired or wireless speakers in your own home. Accessing the music from outside your home will require making use of typical solutions to this problem, made a bit more complicated as this isn’t directly exposing a hard drive of songs (you can connect a USB cable to access it as a NAS, but then you’d need something else to plug it into, like a PC or streaming box which is annoying as the Vault is already a network connected device!).

   The Vault really does live up to its name with an industrial square look that makes it seem it really is securing something. There’s a small touch panel on top for manual control at the device, though you’d likely want to use the app. The device is decently rugged for something that will be in your home, likely either connected to your audio receiver or some other mixer going to your speakers. CDs insert through an almost imperceptible slot on the face of the Vault which is pretty cool. This makes it once setup pretty unobtrusive. I’m using it with my Yamaha YSP-4300 and the RCA inputs – I’ve already dedicated the digital audio to my TV (though I could switch that to an HDMI channel with ARC). Once in place, you hardly notice this extra box next to the large soundbar.

   Obviously, the first thing to try is ripping CDs! Without the app, this process is practically inscrutable. Ripping CDs works, though there were occasional hiccups where it didn’t get all the tracks on a CD. You can then retry, but then there’s sometimes clutter from failed rips – though it appears smart enough not to just duplicate everything. Luckily, you can connect to it as a hard drive or via the app the clean this up, though as a hard drive is more effective, especially where it fails the name ripped files correctly. Ripping traditional CDs worked – it did not handle my “data” CDs of already “ripped” music which actually is the bulk of my collection. I have these notebooks of mp3 and other format songs that I’ve acquired a decade or more ago and while I could just sit at my computer and manually copy these over to a NAS, I’d like to have something do them automatically. The Vault 2i isn’t the solution I’m looking for unfortunately. Another ripping related disappointment is that it doesn’t rip streaming music. While to be fair, there’s some DRM involved with this, that it can’t rip music in transit limits its usability. There seems to be a way to use it to download music from sources online, but this requires yet another account and doesn’t seem to be a first class feature of the Vault. So, not really an option for me.

   As a streamer, this supposedly should then replace my smart speaker. And maybe 5 years ago, this would have been adequate. But now I stream by talking to my smart speaker. And here, I need to talk to my smart speaker, which talks to this, which then does the streaming. But I need to learn a new syntax to make sure the Vault actually streams from the source I want. . . but my smart speaker can already handle pretty much anything the Vault can do, so what’s the point? I suppose there’s a slight advantage using the app, but like I said, actually selecting music via app is now the “past”. I do it from time to time, but mainly when I’m in the car, which you will not be doing with the Vault as it is necessarily tethered to ethernet. That’s right, somehow, despite being a streaming music player and having an app (which apparently is just connected via bluetooth), this device does not actually operate over wifi!

   When you get past all these issues and actually play music, it does sound good. For about 50% of the ripped CDs, it’s on par/identical to playing the CDs. For the rest, not as great. For streaming or other digital music already in my library, theres no sound quality improvement. So really, the big benefit of this is the ability to rip old school CDs and maybe, play them at the same level of quality as the original CD. As a NAS, it’s clunkly and music playback is no better than my existing setup which just uses a hard drive in a dock attached to my router.

   In summary, I cannot really recoommend this product. It looks good, and does a few things well. But all of the things it does well are things that existing products do well, except with an easier to use interface or in a much more useful and accessible manner. As it turns out, there’s only one “killer app” feature with this – ripping music from CDs. But that comes with a major caveat – you’re ripping traditional CDs that encode audio directly to the CD and even then, the result may not be as good as the original. And that’s if you didn’t run into issues with the ripping process which will then take your time to correct. At that point, you’re no better off using a PC or laptop with CD/DVD drive and software to carry out the same task. There’s no wifi, so this really is as old school as my YSP-4300 (which at least does things my smart speaker cannot). I think there is probably an audience for whom this could be a great product – you have a relatively old school hi-fi setup, you don’t have an existing smart speaker that you use to stream music, or if so, you don’t really use it, and you have a massive collection of audio (not digital/data) CDs and are not too computer savvy. For everyone else, this product isn’t worthwhile.

8. 

   HBCUgrad13 – April 12, 2021

   Rated 4 out of 5

   Pros:
   ⦁ Large capacity hard drive: 2 Terabytes(TB) is a great amount of space to have for a massive CD collection. I was able to save a tremendous amount of space on my personal computer by freeing up memory that could used for other files.

   ⦁ Backup functionality: Being able to backup important media is critical when you have such a big music library. Naturally, discs become scratched and unusable over time. It’s great to have a reliable option in recovering data.

   ⦁ Multiple connection choices and connectors included: There are variety of audio options in hooking up this device and Bluesound accommodates by including all of the possible cables and adapters needed.

   ⦁ Listening capabilities: It was awesome to be able to listen to this device with wired or wireless headphones and not be restricted to only external speakers for my listening pleasure.

   ⦁ Streaming service integrations: Within the app, I was able to link to different music services where I have registered accounts located.

   ⦁ Small physical footprint: I’m able to place this music player in a number of spots without taking up a lot of space.

   Cons:
   ⦁ Poor app experience: Although there are various customizable options available, the flow and structure of the app could be greatly improved. For example, I was redirected to installing the Spotify app (which was already installed) when attempting to link my account to the Vault 2i. Also, I did receive some random popups unrelated to an action I had just performed.

   ⦁ Ethernet dependency/No Wi-Fi: Ethernet ports should be reserved for high priority devices such as gaming consoles and computers. I love my Vault 2i, but I would prefer not having to sacrifice an ethernet port for usage or to buy an additional adapter/Wi-Fi extender that includes the port.

   ⦁ Lack of a detailed manual: Although there is a quick start guide in the packaging, I did not feel that there was enough sufficient information listed. For example, I was confused at the initial setup because the indicator light was red (which usually means error) for a few minutes, but eventually changed blue. Unless you download the online manual, you might have to guess what is happening.

   (Minor Cons below)

   ⦁ No SSD drive: Although the hard drive is 2 TB, it seems that extra storage space does come at the expense of performance.

   ⦁ No eject button: I primarily use this device a CD library manager. For this reason, it would be nice to have a physical eject button in the event of software failure.

   ⦁ Disc insertion: It seems that the CD must be inserted 90% of the way until the Vault decides to recognize and the consume the CD for ripping.

   ⦁ Moderately noisy when ripping CDs: The Vault 2i is gives a loud hum when ripping CDs, but its not as noticeable when other sound is present such as a television or AC running.

   In summary, I really enjoy my Bluesound Vault 2i despite its quirks. In my opinion, it’s made for those who have fully embraced the world of streaming, and individuals who still are sentimental about their disc collection (primarily me). In my opinion, some design choices regarding the device and app could have improved my overall experience. I wish it contained built in speakers and Wi-Fi. However, the ability to customize so many different things helps me to overlook those flaws.

9. 

   ARBaldridge – April 20, 2021

   Rated 3 out of 5

   This music player has a lot of potential but is somewhat difficult to get set up and use. It does not come with a manual in the box. The box does come with the unit and several connector cables. You can connect this unit to your existing sound system, whether it is a sound bar or speakers via RCA or digital/optical cable. It requires an ethernet connection which limits its usefulness and portability. Once you get the unit set up through the BluOS app you can control the until and connect several music streaming services. It will rip CDs which some will find handy even in our digital world. The app is a bit clunky and odd to navigate and seems to crash an awful lot. I can some additional benefit of this unit if you have other Bluesound devices throughout your home. You can broadcast throughout the home with the device. I only have this however and have not found it to be particularly useful. The CD ripping and storage of songs is the only thing this will do that any smart speaker cannot do.

10. 

    Tenese – September 30, 2023

    Rated 5 out of 5

    The first and second units I had developed unresolvable problems. Received a third unit from Best Buy. The service from Shawn Parker has been truly outstanding.

11. 

    Timothy – October 5, 2023

    Rated 1 out of 5

    i purchased a Vault 2i from Magnolia in July 2019. During an automatic firmware upgrade in September 2023 the device became a brick. Tech support was unable to fix it remotely. They showed a shocking lack of understanding of how ethernet devices work. The refused my offer to pay to have it fixed at the factory. The said I could buy a new one at a 20% discount and that was my only option. This is not what one should expect from a so-called high-end company. Stay away!

12. 

    DuaneJ – November 8, 2023

    Rated 1 out of 5

    Was difficult to set up, but once it was set up I loved this product when it worked. After not quite 3 years, it suddenly would not work. Spent 3 or 4 weeks chatting online with BlueSound trying to fix it, but still it would not work. Finally BlueSound said they would fix it if I would mail it in to them, ALONG WITH $979! They did say though, that after the repair, they would not provide any kind of a warranty so if it stops working again, I’m assuming they would want another $979 to fix it again. I did speak with Best Buy about my dissatisfaction with this product and the customer service I received, and Best Buy was of no help to me either. I will no longer purchase products from Best Buy nor will I purchase another BlueSound product. You should probably think twice before taking on this headache!

13. 

    TerryH – December 9, 2023

    Rated 1 out of 5

    Overly complicated to use and set up, not reliable in ripping CD’s and compatible not with blue sound speakers. The Brennan B3 is a much better (and less expensive) choice.