Streamer/Network Player - BlueSound Questions


Hello All.  I am helping my cousin get a streamer/network player at a pricepoint of around $1000.  The Bluesound Vault 2 appeals, and would be paired with an external DAC (Schiit Bifrost Multibit). As my cousin only has basic computer skills, I thought it worthwhile to ask the following question:

1) How easy is it to back up the contents of the internal HD on an external USB drive?
2) How easy is it to transfer files of an external USB drive to the unit?
3) Can you purchase and upload hirez digital files onto it without using a computer?
4) Does the manufacturer provide telephone support?
5) How intuitive is the App for streaming, playing internal files, and the functions mentioned above?

Thanks in advance for any help you can offer.  If there is a better unit for a similar price, we would be interested as well.  Peter
peter_s
The blusound vault 2 is an absolute breeze to setup and operate
I debated long and hard months ago on which way to go with a server and so glad I chose this one.
You can choose how it rips cd but imho flac is best
You can access lots of internet radio station and other music streaming services through it, I use Tidal.
Back up is as simple as plugging in a 2tb hard drive and selecting back up in the menu.
Set up was so painless it was laughable, it automatically found my home network in seconds and I was up and running within minutes and then proceeded over the next few weeks to rip my entire cd libary to it and box them all up and placed in the loft. That barely made a small dent in its 2tb memory.
The app whether android or apple is also childsplay and very intuitive, i use android from my phone, my daughter uses apple version from her ipad
Neither have given one single glitch at all ever.
We get regular updates to the app software and I think the unit itself has updated itself maybe 3 times in the 7 months I have owned it.
As far as the metadata and artwork I only found maybe 3 albums that failed and that was because they were very old obscure British releases. It was then a fairly simple task to write the correct metadata and add artwork with any good metadata editing software.
One comment I do have to make, connect it by digital coax to your preamp as the rca analog outs are the worst feature on the whole unit, the sound is very bloated and somewhat indistinct via these. I recently upgraded my digital coax cable and it made an huge improvement in sound quality so dont scrimp on that either.
Yes there maybe better and higher quality ways to go but this is the system for complete computer dummies, my wife uses it and usually if it has more than 3 buttons she has had it!
Buy it , you will not regret one second of it!
I paid exactly $1000 for it and its the best grand I have ever spent on music.
The Vault 2 is DESIGNED to do all the things you listed. The only catch is that the metadata for (artwork) has to be labeled a certain way i.e. (Cover.jpg) For instance, if you have a folder that contains all the music for an album ( Pink Floyd, Dark Side of the Moon) each song must be a file format by which the Vault 2 can recognize and play: MP3, AAC, MP4, WMA, OGG, FLAC, ALAC, M4A, WMA-L, MQA, WAV, AIFF, AIFC and AIF. In addition to all the songs for that album the folder must contain the artwork which is associated with the album (album art) by the specific name (Cover.jpg)

The app is very intuitive for a notepad or smartphone and the customer support is top level.

Take a look at this thread, I have tried to explain in more detail...
https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/bluesound-node-2-question
I own only the Node, but can say without hesitation that Bluesound will provide all the answers to your questions. They have great customer service. Just go to the website.
Regarding the App:
I find it easy to use.
Lastly, I would move to at least a Gungnir multibit or Yggy.
The Bifrost is no slouch, but even the Bluesound DAC is on par with that model. Better yet, get a used Ayre Codex. I have them in both my office and living room.- the best thing I have found.
Bob