I own the Bluesound Vault 2, connected to the DAC of an Audio Aero Capitol Reference CDP. While I've found the Bluesound definitely benefits from an external DAC, the cd's ripped to the Vault don't sound as good as cd's played direct from my CDP.
Bluesound Vault 2i, with external DAC and hi-end CD player
In trying to get rid of the thousand physical CDs i own so I demoed the Bluesound Vault 2i against my Theta Miles CD player (with a Krell integrated amp and Thiel speakers.) The Theta produced better sound so I sent back the vault. Someone suggested that I use an external DAC, like the Chord Electronics Quest DAC, with the Vault 2i to produce the quality of my CD player. Has anyone any experience with this scenario?