Best standalone music server?

jond

hell yes 

Re Bluesound Vault. If I read correctly, Vault contains all the features of Node 2 plus 2tb storge. (This would include a MQA compatible DAC.) Can anyone confirm this? And, if so, what are opinions on the DAC audio quality?

Correct, I have 500 cds ripped into the vault, plus a hifi tidal subscription, in addition I use 'Roon' as the engine. I much prefer vinyl (5000 plus) , but the convenience of being able to stream to various areas of the house is a great benefit. The vault is hard wired via Ethernet to my router.... 100 feet run through the attic.  

The Vault 2 only has the option of being hardwired to the internet/network, no wireless to ensure no dropped bits and superior signal at all times I am sure.
I send the signal out of my vault to my c48 via digital coax cable as this sounded much better than through the rca analog outs.
I have only listened to my ripped cds through it and various internet radio stations as I do not subscribe to any paid service as of yet.
I believe I got exactly what I was looking for and have not seen a downside as of yet.
I have backed up the vaults contents on a standalone 2tb hard drive just in case though.......

Someone asked how the DAC sounds in the Vault.  That's impossible to answer.  What DAC's is it going against and what are your system's limitations?  On the systems that it will be playing on most of the time, the unit is outstanding for what it give you.  Can you get a better stand alone DAC? Of course, but at what price point is the better question.  I've gone to many stores around the country (US) and many use the Vault to serve their systems and that often includes their high end systems.  Now most of the store owners don't understand digital if they do this (I promise you that most of the owners feel that folks don't honestly audition anyways and that if they are all getting fed the same signal, they will still sell their gear).  Is it as good as a Codex? Not even on the same planet.  That said, the Codex is balanced unit that has a balanced headphone amp and costs 1800.  I've heard it against one of the Schitt units that lists for under 1k,but I don't remember which one and I felt the Vault 2 was right there and it has everything else with it that folks in this thread seem to want.  I wouldn't use it for my main system, but I also have a pretty nice rig going, but I love putting systems together for folks starting off or upgrading.  I think it is in great company with a pair of say Vandersteen 2c's an NAD integrated/separates and some inexpensive Audioquest cabling.  Throw in a decent little turntable and you have an outstanding system that most folks would kill for.  Would you listen and keep wondering if you should have gotten a better DAC?  Of course you would as you are an audiophile.  Just use your ears though and enjoy the music in MQA, streaming from Tidal and how easy it is to use with Roon.  You'll be in heaven and loving what you hear for many a year.  

JMHO...I also think it's a bargain, especially because it's also small and so easy to use.