Bluesound VAULT 2i Hi-Res Network Music Server, CD Ripper and Streamer at Vinyl Sound Toronto Canada

The VAULT 2i is the flagship network music server, CD ripper, and hi-res streamer from Bluesound (Burlington, Ontario, Canada), available at Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada. The only Bluesound component with onboard storage, the VAULT 2i combines a slot-loading CD ripper, a 2TB internal ultra-quiet hard drive that stores thousands of lossless tracks, a 32-bit/192kHz built-in DAC, and the full BluOS streaming platform — including Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify, Amazon Music HD, Deezer, AirPlay 2, Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX HD, and Roon endpoint support — into a single compact chassis. Stream your ripped library to every Bluesound player throughout the home, connect directly to an integrated amplifier via RCA, coaxial, or optical outputs, or use the VAULT 2i as the music server hub for a complete whole-home BluOS multiroom system. Rip CDs in bit-perfect FLAC, WAV, or space-saving MP3 at 320kbps, and control everything from the intuitive BluOS Controller app on iOS, Android, or desktop — or via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple Siri voice commands.

CD Ripping, 2TB Storage, and Network Music Server

The VAULT 2i's slot-loading CD mechanism rips directly to the 2TB internal hard drive in FLAC (lossless), WAV (lossless), or MP3 at 320kbps, automatically retrieving album artwork, track titles, and metadata to populate the library without manual entry. The 2TB drive holds approximately 2,000 CD albums in lossless FLAC format — or substantially more in MP3 — and operates at ultra-low power consumption with minimal acoustic signature. A USB Type-A port on the rear accepts FAT32 or NTFS-formatted external drives for direct connection of an existing music library, or for backing up the internal drive to an external hard drive of 2TB or larger. The VAULT 2i's internal library is accessible to all Bluesound players on the same network directly within the BluOS Controller app, making the VAULT 2i the natural hub of a whole-home BluOS system. The VAULT 2i processes audio on a 1GHz dual-core ARM Cortex-A9 processor with 32-bit architecture and an 8x oversampling DAC platform for lossless playback precision. Hi-Fi Choice, reviewing the VAULT 2i, described it as offering "a very well thought out way of starting in a single room that will be able to support others as your system grows" — awarding it a Recommended rating.

BluOS Streaming Platform, AirPlay 2, and Multiroom Audio

The VAULT 2i runs BluOS — Bluesound's proprietary high-resolution multiroom audio platform, also found in NAD's streaming components — providing native integration with Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify, Amazon Music HD, Deezer, iHeartRadio, TuneIn Radio, Calm Radio, SiriusXM, and dozens of additional services. Hi-res playback up to 24-bit/192kHz is supported across all BluOS services that offer it, with MQA decoding handled internally for Tidal HiFi Plus subscribers. AirPlay 2 allows streaming directly from Apple Music, Spotify, podcasts, and any AirPlay 2 compatible source on iPhone, iPad, or Mac — in sync with other AirPlay 2 devices throughout the home. Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX HD enables high-resolution wireless streaming from smartphones, tablets, and laptops at up to 24-bit/48kHz quality. The VAULT 2i also operates as a Roon endpoint, appearing as a playback zone in a Roon system. Gigabit Ethernet ensures stable, skip-free high-res streaming over a wired network connection. Top-panel touch controls provide direct access to basic playback functions without reaching for a phone, and a 12V trigger output enables automated power management with compatible amplifiers.

Key Features

• 2TB Internal Ultra-Quiet Hard Drive: Stores thousands of CD albums in lossless FLAC, WAV, or MP3 at 320kbps, with automatic metadata and artwork retrieval during CD ripping and ultra-low power consumption during playback.
• Slot-Loading CD Ripper: Rips directly to the internal 2TB drive in FLAC, MP3 (320kbps), or WAV format with automatic album art, track title, and metadata population — no computer required.
• 32-Bit/192kHz Built-In DAC with 8x Oversampling: 1GHz dual-core ARM Cortex-A9 processor platform with 32-bit architecture for precise lossless hi-res playback up to 24-bit/192kHz from stored files and streaming services.
• BluOS Multiroom Platform: Native integration with Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify, Amazon Music HD, Deezer, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, Calm Radio, SiriusXM, and more, with the VAULT 2i's stored library accessible to all Bluesound players on the same network.
• Apple AirPlay 2: Stream from Apple Music, Spotify, podcasts, and any AirPlay 2 source in sync with other AirPlay 2 devices throughout the home.
• Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX HD: High-resolution wireless streaming from smartphones, tablets, and laptops at up to 24-bit/48kHz for near-hi-res Bluetooth audio quality.
• MQA Decoding: Internal MQA decoding for full Tidal Masters fidelity from Tidal HiFi Plus subscriptions, with the option to pass MQA to an external certified MQA DAC via the digital outputs.
• Roon Endpoint: Operates as a Roon playback zone for listeners running a Roon Core on a dedicated server, NAS, or computer.
• Gigabit Ethernet: Wired network connection ensures stable, skip-free high-res audio streaming without Wi-Fi interference or bandwidth limitations.
• Comprehensive Analogue and Digital Outputs: Stereo RCA (fixed or variable), coaxial S/PDIF, optical TosLink, 3.5mm headphone output, and subwoofer RCA for connection to any system configuration.
• USB Type-A Port: For connection to external drives carrying an existing music library, or for backing up the VAULT 2i's internal 2TB drive to an external hard drive.
• Voice Control: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri compatibility for hands-free playback control throughout the home.
• 12V Trigger Output: Automated amplifier or system power management in compatible home audio installations.
• Top-Panel Touch Controls: Direct access to playback functions without requiring the BluOS app for basic operations.

Technical Specifications

Connections at a Glance

• Network: 1x Gigabit Ethernet (RJ45)
• Analogue Outputs: Stereo RCA (fixed/variable), 3.5mm headphone, Subwoofer RCA
• Digital Outputs: 1x Coaxial S/PDIF (RCA), 1x Optical TosLink
• Input: 1x 3.5mm combined optical digital / analogue minijack
• USB: 1x Type-A (external drive), 1x Type-B Mini (service only)
• Other: 1x 12V Trigger Out, 1x 3.5mm IR In
• Wireless: AirPlay 2, Bluetooth 5.0 aptX HD

What's in the Box

• Bluesound VAULT 2i Network Music Server
• Universal AC Power Supply
• 2x AC Power Cords (Europe and North America)
• Stereo RCA to RCA Cable
• User Manual

Awards and Critical Recognition

• Hi-Fi Choice — Recommended Award. "A very well thought out way of starting in a single room that will be able to support others as your system grows. All things considered, Bluesound's Vault 2i is a slick and highly practical addition to a BluOS networked music setup."
• Bluesound — recipient of multiple Product of the Year and Best Buy awards from What Hi-Fi? and Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity across the BluOS product range.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Bluesound VAULT 2i?

The Bluesound VAULT 2i is a hi-res network music server, CD ripper, and streamer from Bluesound (Burlington, Ontario, Canada). It combines a slot-loading CD ripper, a 2TB internal hard drive for lossless storage, a 32-bit/192kHz built-in DAC, and the full BluOS streaming platform — including Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify, Amazon Music HD, AirPlay 2, Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX HD, MQA decoding, and Roon endpoint support — in a single compact chassis. It is the only Bluesound component with built-in music storage.

How does the Bluesound VAULT 2i compare to the Naim Uniti Core?

The Bluesound VAULT 2i and Naim Uniti Core are both dedicated CD rippers and network music servers. The VAULT 2i includes a built-in DAC with full analogue RCA, coaxial, and optical outputs for direct connection to any amplifier, plus Bluetooth aptX HD, AirPlay 2, MQA decoding, and native streaming service integration — making it a complete standalone streaming and playback system. The Naim Uniti Core focuses on CD ripping and storage with an emphasis on bit-perfect ripping quality but relies on a separate Naim streamer for playback and does not include a DAC or analogue output stage. The VAULT 2i is the more versatile and self-sufficient solution; the Uniti Core suits listeners already invested in the Naim ecosystem who want a dedicated ripping and server component.

How many CDs can the VAULT 2i store on its 2TB hard drive?

The VAULT 2i's 2TB internal drive holds approximately 2,000 standard CD albums ripped in lossless FLAC format at typical file sizes. In WAV format the figure is similar, while ripping in MP3 at 320kbps increases storage capacity to approximately 6,000 to 8,000 albums or more. A USB Type-A port on the rear accepts an external hard drive of 2TB or larger for backup or library expansion.

Can the VAULT 2i be used as a Roon Core?

No. The VAULT 2i operates as a Roon endpoint — it can receive audio from a Roon Core and appear as a playback zone in the Roon interface — but it cannot run the Roon Core software itself. Roon Core must run on a separate dedicated device such as a Roon Nucleus, Roon Nucleus Plus, or a compatible NAS or computer on the same network.

Can the VAULT 2i stream its library to other rooms?

Yes. The VAULT 2i's ripped library and streaming services are accessible to all Bluesound players on the same network via the BluOS Controller app. Multiple Bluesound players can play the same content in sync, play different content simultaneously in different rooms, or be grouped for synchronized whole-home playback. AirPlay 2 multi-room grouping is also supported for listeners who use AirPlay 2 compatible devices alongside the BluOS ecosystem.

Does the VAULT 2i support hi-res audio above CD quality?

Yes. The VAULT 2i's built-in DAC supports playback up to 24-bit/192kHz PCM from locally stored hi-res files in FLAC, WAV, and AIFF formats, and from streaming services including Tidal and Qobuz where hi-res content is available. MQA content from Tidal HiFi Plus is decoded internally for full Masters fidelity. Alternatively, the coaxial or optical digital outputs allow the VAULT 2i to pass the digital signal to an external MQA-certified or hi-res DAC for listeners who prefer a dedicated external conversion stage.

Where can I buy the Bluesound VAULT 2i in Toronto, Canada?

The Bluesound VAULT 2i is available at Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada. As an authorized Bluesound dealer, Vinyl Sound serves audiophiles across the Greater Toronto Area and Canada. Shop online at vinylsound.ca or visit the showroom for a full demonstration of the VAULT 2i as part of a complete BluOS multiroom system.