Blue sound vault2i


Are there better quality alternatives?

Even after all these years, there isn’t really a solid competitor?


recluse
I’m familiar with the external dac that offers slight to no improvementI see naim that is an integrated amplifier and android compatible
ripping sacd option?
Is there now a way to transfer files from the vault to an improved version? Seems that usb back up is possible. I thought that was an issue.
Melco.  For the same money the same amount of HD and real quality NAS.  You need to supply your own CD ripper/Optical drive
Many better alternatives, choices, and options exist and if you have not heard Esoteric equipment you can be satisfied with your Bluesound.
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You can't be serious. All these years?
Melco has been around since 2014 ahead of BluSound.
If you are only concerned about price, there is Pro-Ject D$ for $100 more with +$100 in quality. Or build a better Ras Pi4/Topping system for far less $$.
Do some homework.
BluSound is a Divison of NAD. 
Loads of streamers out there. I am partial to Moon Mind2 have it in my 380. Also had the stand alone Mind2 running through the HAD 230 for a while.
Yes, streamers have been greatly improving and many options are available and the more you pay (in general) the better they sound. The streamer makes a big difference. Aurender has a great line of them, I have two. It’s easy to move files over network or pocket drive... or...
Thanks. Was not aware that these could rip.

Innuous
aurender

these are nice and  can get pricey - 18k

anything else?

moon nice website and look, but doesn’t have built cd ripper and storage
I have had a Vault 2i for about two years and for the money its pretty good.    Using it with an outboard DAC with great results.   Good user interface with my Andriod and Apple devices .. .   
OP
Melco N100 has same functionality as Bluesound Vault2.  It does require Ethernet.  It costs the same as a Vault2 and sounds about twice as good.  It has attached 2TB HD, same as Vault2.  Melco sells a ripper, which can also be used as a CD Transport, for the same amount, which I just purchased,but I had been using an Apple Optical drive and that works quite well.  You need an external DAC, but the DACs are the weakest link with Bluesound so that is a non issue.
Thanks
I like the sound of Melco as it fit my current needs and it seems like it might be a step up from blue sound, also a price niche between bluesound and the next ones up, all the way to ....36k Aurender lol.

How do you like the app interphase with Melco.   Gracenote?
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@recluse,

Check out Aurender ACS100 at $3500. It’s going to blow your expectations of what a high quality server / streamer / ripper can do when paired with equally good DAC. The file management is unlike anything you’ve seen before, it allows you to you edit any metadata and album cover within ACS Manager app from your iPad. The BS Vault app is a bloody joke (alright, very basic) when you compare it with superb functionality of ACS Manager and Conductor app.

I have owned BS Vault 2, Aurender N100 and N10 in the past. My current setup is Aurender N20 and ACS100.