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Step up from Bluesound Vault 2, next move?

I have owned a Bluesound Vault 2 for nearly 2 years. I bought primarily to rip my CD collection to be all in one place.
However over the last couple years my listening has changed and I mostly stream Tidal through the Vault or listen to vinyl.
So I already have all my CD ripped and not likely to add many more in all honesty.

The Vault is likely not the last word in streaming quality I realise.

So suggestions based on experience please.
If I am going to update to a newer server I may as well make it a server DAC so I can replace both the Vault and the Brooklyn in one move.

Obviously the sq needs outperform the Vault fed into the Brooklyn.

I have backed up all my CD collection from the Vault to a separate 2tb USB drive so will be able to access those as a local drive ( I hope).

What is the most logical next move?
128x128Ag insider logo xs@2xuberwaltz
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david_ten
2,509 posts
 
If going the Auralic way, then make sure the G2 is considered against the G1. Value vs feature set / upgrades.
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david_ten
2,509 posts
 
Or go Vega G2, which will give you a streamer/DAC/Volume Control.
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uberwaltz OP
4,946 posts
 
That's part of the problem David and the reason for this thread.

What might be the best direction?
Be nice to hear from some actual streamer users and what they are using above the Vault level.
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david_ten
2,509 posts
 
Kevin, you need to define " best direction." This is about you and your needs.

Using the Auralic series as an illustration...

The G2 series, among other areas, focuses on improving galvanic isolation, power supplies, physical separation, physical isolation, etc.

All of which, generally speaking in my experience, provides a return on sound performance.

Whether the additional spend to achieve a ’higher’ level of performance is worth it, only you can say.
jackd
362 posts
 
@uberwaltz 

If looking at streamers only the most full featured ones in terms of outputs are the G1 and the Lumin U1 Mini, and for about double the price of both their big brothers the G2 and the standard U1.  All four of these have all four of the desired standard outputs.  The G2 has an HDMI style output but it is only compatible with the Vega 2.  For units with built in DAC's you start going up in price with the Teac Reference NT-505, Lumin D2 and the somewhat dated Auralic Altair.  Higher up the ladder are the Lumin's from the T1 to the X1 and the Aurender A10.  I've owned the Lumin D and the Teac and prefer the Teac.  They both use the Lumin software but the Teac has the top line AKM 4497 chipset.  The lower end Aurender and Innuos units depend on USB for the most part.  
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