BlueSound Vault 2i: Next gen multiroom device

The Canadian company Bluesound introduces a new generation of multiroom devices running BluOS. All devices are combined into the Gen 2i lineup. The entire 2018 model range is equipped with dual-band Wi-Fi, supports AirPlay 2 technology, modern Bluetooth codecs, and differs from its predecessors in improved amplification and sound quality. The new 2018 line includes the  Pulse 2i ,  Pulse Mini 2i  and  Pulse Flex 2i speakers ,  the Pulse Soundbar 2i soundbar ,  the Node 2i streamer, the Powernode 2i streamer amplifier  and the  Vault 2i streamer/ripper .  

The letter “i” in the model index means support for AirPlay 2 and the presence of a Qualcomm CSR8675 transceiver, thanks to which devices can both receive a signal via Bluetooth using the aptX HD protocol and send it to other devices. With AirPlay 2, you can stream music to multiple technology-enabled speakers at once. The BluOS operating system will be released in version 3.0 for all users. In the updated version, users will have access to Soundmachine, Taihe Music Zone and others. The step-by-step process for setting up devices will be simplified, and in the future the application will receive integration with the Amazon Alexa voice assistant.

Bluesound Vault 2i, which essentially combines the functions of a streamer and music server with internal storage of 2 TB and the ability to connect two external drives with a USB interface. The component is capable of both playing music from its own reserves and acting as an audio server on the network, for example, for other Bluesound models, which will be discussed below. But that's not all. Bluesound Vault 2 features an optical disc drive and can rip your CDs bit-for-bit to internal storage in WAV, FLAC or MP3 format if you need to save storage space. At the same time, the device automatically searches the Internet for album cover and arranges a position in the music library. Thus, this model will help solve the problem of converting your music library from shelves into electronic form. In addition, Vault 2 is equipped with two USB ports for connecting external drives.

The BlueSound Vault 2i device as part of an audio system is capable of performing several roles at once, the main ones being playing music and centralized storage of media files. In addition, the model is equipped with a CD drive, which allows it to independently convert audio CD recordings into file format.

The package includes a power cable (two options with different plugs), two audio cables, a network patch cord, an optical Toslink adapter for a 3.5 mm jack, a quick start guide, a warranty card and several leaflets. The overall dimensions of BlueSound Vault 2i are 22x19x9 centimeters. The design of the case is similar to the PowerNode 2i – two halves made of white matte plastic with a strip between them, a control panel and ventilation grilles on the top panel, a headphone output on the front panel, a connector block on the back, a rubber insert and ventilation grilles on the bottom. The slot for the built-in optical drive is hidden right on the black strip between the parts of the case. Note that, despite the installation of a 3.5″ hard drive inside the case, no fans are used.

On the rear panel there are: power cable input, hidden button and Mini-USB port for service, analog stereo output (two RCA), active subwoofer output, coaxial and optical digital outputs, analog input (3.5 mm minijack), combined with digital optical input, output for controlling external equipment, IR receiver input, two USB 2.0 ports, gigabit network port with built-in indicators. A 2 TB hard drive is installed to store media files. A standard optical drive is used to transfer information from CDs. Considering that the device has a hard drive, the lack of a power switch or at least a software option to switch to standby mode was somewhat surprising. The device is connected to the network only through a gigabit network port. This model also has a Bluetooth adapter with support for the aptX codec. It is difficult to single out any special technical characteristics of this model.

Please also note that remote access to the media library in BlueSound Vault 2i is provided only through standard shared network folders. Moreover, the service does not provide any control over user rights, which can be a problem in large or public networks. Support for the DLNA protocol for streaming music over the network to other devices is not implemented here.

Characteristics of BlueSound Vault 2i

Internal storage capacity, TB – 2
Disc formats – CD (for copying to storage
Network interfaces – Gigabit Ethernet RJ45, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetooth – yes, aptX support
USB – Host type A (2) , type B for service functions
Supported audio codecs – MP3, AAC, WMA, OGG, WMA-L, FLAC, ALAC, WAV, AIFF, HRA
Maximum digital signal resolution – 24 bit / 192 kHz
Central processor – Dual-Core ARM® CORTEX ™ A9, 1Ghz
Signal-to-noise ratio, dBA – 110
Audio inputs – analog / optical toslink minijack 3.5 mm |
Audio outputs – analog RCA x 2, analog RCA to subwoofer, digital coaxial, digital optical, headphone output 3.5 mm
Optional – Free Internet Radio (TuneIn Radio, iHeartRadio), support for cloud music services WiMP, Slacker Radio, Qobuz, HighResAudio, JUKE, Deezer, Murfie, HDTracks, Spotify, TIDAL, Napster, Rhapsody, Airplay 2
Dimensions, cm – 22.0 x 9.0 x 19.2
Weight, kg – 1.84

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