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Bluesound Vault 2i vs. Meridian Media Core 200 for first music server

Looking to add a music server to the dedicated 2ch system to make it more user friendly for my better half and to have the whole cd library at my fingertips.  I'm curious to hear any opinions on the pros/cons of a NEW Bluesound Vault 2i vs. a USED Meridian Media Core 200.    What I care most about is the sound quality and reliability. 

In my system i'd be using the internal dac of each unit and output via the RCAs to a JRDG concentra integrated.  

Appreciate the feedback as I try to become a bit less of a luddite....
wrtickle
cobbone1's avatar
cobbone1
18 posts
 
Hi just purchased the vault 2i ,you must have yours by now.It is a great bit of kit and everything all have said .I had a Logitech squeezebox before which was dated and discontinued not enough apps. But in defence of the squeezebox it sounded just as good.which shows how good the dac inside was.
asahitoro
217 posts
 
@rhljazz Do you see a significant improvement in sound with your 2i over the Vault? I have a Node 2 and am wondering if I should move to a 2i? I don’t use an external DAC and realize the DACs are the same but have read there is a noticeable sound improvement from adjusting some circuitry locations.

Thanks.
uberwaltz's avatar
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uberwaltz
4,946 posts
 
From what I understand the sq increase on the node2i is due to improved wireless networking circuitry so yes it is feasible you would hear a difference.

As the vault has always been hardwired internet only I do not think the vault2i will have as much of an sq improvement.
djones51
617 posts
 
I just got a node2i today but never owned the previous model. I can only use wifi so wanted something with wifi5. Haven’t tried the built in dac probably will at some point for comparison. I think the main difference between the 2 and 2i is wifi5 and the trickle down circuit design from the NAD masters 50.2 but the 2i and 2 use the same dac..
rhljazz
1,117 posts
 
asahitoro, I can’t say how much better the 2i would be over your 2.  The cost to find out isn’t exorbitant especially if you sell the 2.

What I can tell you is the 2i sounds really good in my big system.  It is musically satisfying and fun to listen to.  My cd playback is through a Chord Hugo.  Analog via Origin Live with Quintet Black into my VAC phono.  All three sources obviously don’t sound exactly the same.  Each of the three are a good listen.  IME if one source is markedly inferior to another, you find yourself gravitating towards the better sounding options.  That said, while listening via the 2i I don’t experience the urge to listen to another source because of sound quality or engagement. 

I really can’t find anything to fault with the 2i.
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