@luvrockin
It's not the quality of the USB or optical cable or running a different music player on your MacBook. The reason your BlueSound Vault 2 sounds better than your MacBook is mainly because your BlueSound is likely specifically built for audio playback vs. being a general purpose computer.
For many years I used a MacMini running the Pure Music player via USB to my DAC including an Ayre Codex DAC. I replaced the MacMini with an Aurender N100H as the music server (streamer) and the SQ improved immediately as the Aurencder is specifically built for audio playback with galvanic isolation, a solid state drive to buffer music playback, a lean Linux OS, a better clock than a general purpose computer, etc.
I've never used a BlueSound Vault 2 but from what I read on their website and support forums, it serves the same role as an Aurender, in that it's a purpose built music server. Arguably it may not sound as good as an Aurender or higher class music server, but now we're splitting hairs. I know your BlueSound has TIDAL integration and is close to some level of TIDAL MQA capability, which blows away streaming Redbook CD tracks.
Lumin just released firmware for most of their streamers supporting full MQA capability via TIDAL. On my Lumin S1, I'm now able to listen to TIDAL MQA tracks, some as high as 352kHz / 24 bit. IMO, once more streamers get certified with full MQA capability, this will be a game changer. CDs go away and no more need to purchase hi-rez albums via HDTracks. It does require the more expensive TIDAL HiFi subscription level but well worth it.
I'd investigate your BlueSound support forums as there's lots of discussion about the Vault 2 supporting MQA. You may already own what's needed to enjoy high quality streaming now or in the very near future.
It's not the quality of the USB or optical cable or running a different music player on your MacBook. The reason your BlueSound Vault 2 sounds better than your MacBook is mainly because your BlueSound is likely specifically built for audio playback vs. being a general purpose computer.
For many years I used a MacMini running the Pure Music player via USB to my DAC including an Ayre Codex DAC. I replaced the MacMini with an Aurender N100H as the music server (streamer) and the SQ improved immediately as the Aurencder is specifically built for audio playback with galvanic isolation, a solid state drive to buffer music playback, a lean Linux OS, a better clock than a general purpose computer, etc.
I've never used a BlueSound Vault 2 but from what I read on their website and support forums, it serves the same role as an Aurender, in that it's a purpose built music server. Arguably it may not sound as good as an Aurender or higher class music server, but now we're splitting hairs. I know your BlueSound has TIDAL integration and is close to some level of TIDAL MQA capability, which blows away streaming Redbook CD tracks.
Lumin just released firmware for most of their streamers supporting full MQA capability via TIDAL. On my Lumin S1, I'm now able to listen to TIDAL MQA tracks, some as high as 352kHz / 24 bit. IMO, once more streamers get certified with full MQA capability, this will be a game changer. CDs go away and no more need to purchase hi-rez albums via HDTracks. It does require the more expensive TIDAL HiFi subscription level but well worth it.
I'd investigate your BlueSound support forums as there's lots of discussion about the Vault 2 supporting MQA. You may already own what's needed to enjoy high quality streaming now or in the very near future.