Стримеры — Bluesound VAULT 2i

The VAULT 2i is a Bluesound network music server that combines a BluOS streamer, a 2 TB internal hard drive and a slot-loading CD drive for ripping discs to the library. There is no power stage inside, so the output goes to an existing amplifier or to active speakers. The Canadian list price is CAD 2,599, and buyers choose a white or black matte case.

Key specs that matter

The DAC works at 32-bit and 192 kHz, with native sampling rates from 32 to 192 kHz. Bluesound gives a frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz within 0.3 dB, falling 3 dB at 50 kHz, along with a 110 dBA figure and distortion of 0.005%. Playback covers MP3, AAC, WMA, OGG, WMA-L, ALAC and OPUS as well as FLAC, MQA, WAV and AIFF. The case measures 220 x 90 x 192 mm and weighs 1.84 kg, and idle power consumption is 11 W.

Engineering and use context

The ultra-quiet hard drive is chosen for low power draw, and rips can be stored as FLAC, as 320 kbps MP3 or as WAV, selected by the owner. Once a CD is ripped it becomes part of the BluOS library and can be shared with other BluOS players on the same network. A dual-core ARM Cortex A9 processor at 1 GHz runs the software. Outputs include a pair of analogue RCA jacks that can be switched to fixed level, coaxial RCA and Toslink digital, a 3.5 mm headphone jack, an RCA subwoofer output and a 12 V trigger for switching an amplifier on. A combined Toslink and 3.5 mm input accepts an external source, networking is over Gigabit Ethernet, and Bluetooth with aptX HD works in two directions, receiving from a phone or sending to wireless headphones. USB ports allow the music collection to be backed up and restored, and a USB host function accepts iOS, Android, Windows and macOS devices. Album art is read in JPG and PNG formats.

Pairing

In fixed mode the analogue output feeds an integrated amplifier that handles level on its own, whereas the variable setting allows a direct link to power amps or powered speakers without a preamp in between. Control is through the BluOS Controller app for iOS and Android, an IR remote or touch buttons on the top panel, and Amazon Alexa skills add voice commands. Owners who prefer an external converter can use the coaxial or optical digital output and let the VAULT 2i act as a transport and library store. Streaming covers Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, free internet radio, AirPlay 2 and Roon Ready playback. A universal 100 to 240 V AC input is fitted, and power cords for Europe and North America come with it.

Alternatives

The Bluesound NODE is the streamer in the same BluOS range for owners who do not need internal storage or a CD ripping drive.