Bluesound Vault 2 VS Mac or PC audio

Blusound Vault any day!

I had a Mac + USB SPDIF converter + DAC - now they are gone

Now I just have the Node 2 + NAS drive and the sound quality is superb - it's performance way above it's "snack bracket"

Copy music to the NAS drive from any computer.

Get some good cables and you'll be set

I also have the Powernode 2 on my A/V system - it's also extremely good

Regards...

I moved from a Mac mini based system to a Bluesound Node 2 about a year ago and what a pleasure it's been to leave all that behind. FWIW, I was all-in. I had licenses for Amarra Symphony w/iRC, Audirvana +, BitPerfect, Fidelia Advanced, HQPlayer, JRMC, and Pure Music. I honestly didn't think the Node 2 would even come close in fidelity to my Mac mini (2012, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) and fully expected to go back. Happy to say the Node 2 never disappointed. The sound quality is surprisingly good with it's on-board Burr-Brown DAC. The option to use an external DAC is just icing on the cake. I've used 2 of my DACs with the Node 2 .. a Schiit Bifrost Multibit and a Chord Qute EX. Each of these DACs sells for more than the Node 2 and yet the Node 2 holds it's own pretty well. If I hadn't already owned these DACs I seriously doubt I would have purchased one. I agree with @williewonka .. it's performance is most definitely above it's weight-class.

I echo the previous statements, I have a vinyl based setup, but I also had over 400 CD's, I looked around at various options. In the end based upon user feedback I purchased an older Vault 1 with 2TB h/d. I had to run a 100ft ethernet cable from the router in the kitchen to the music room upstairs, I ripped all the CD's (then sold them in one go). The BS app is good but in the end I went with Roon and a 3 month free subscription to Tidal - because they had the 'Masters' - MQA. I still primarily listen to vinyl (listening to D'Angelo - Black Messiah as i type this). But having Tidal and all my CD's at my fingertips is extremely convenient when working etc.  I can also stream to other rooms in the house via apply airplay and to a Klipsch G17 - when i want good portable sound.

Thank you for all the input. This is so helpful. I was and am using a Proceed AVP 2 and the built in DAC until yesterday. I purchased an Ayre Acoustics Codex DAC. I was having a problem with now what I know was my Levinson amp, so my amp, AMP 2 and cables are in the shop for check out. I was given a loner Nakamichi preamp to use which I've been listening to through my Proceed amp since yesterday. I'm using a MacBook with a Tidal HiFi membership which I just subscribed to yesterday. That's what got me thinking if the Vault 2 was there thing to do it invest into a better/newer Mac desktop. I'm feeling much more comfortable in my decision going forward.

I use the Codex with my Node (1). I works great and I love that I can connect to other Nodes in my house.
Bob