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.

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.

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

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.