Not dumb at all. I'm no expert in this stuff (why whatever I got had to be idiot-proof). I started with Sonos Connects maybe a year ago to try streaming.
I believe the Vault 2 requires the ethernet connection to the router to enable updates, streaming, and the control from the phone/ipad, There's an easy to use app for the control. There may be other options, but here's how I have it:
Vault 2 connected by ethernet to the router in my office. It runs with my office stereo system.
I use Node 2s in a couple of other systems. The node 2 connect by wifi and can stream and play the ripped CDs on the Vault 2.
I bought a Netgear Orbi, but I haven't hooked it up yet. I think, but cannot yet confirm, that you could alternatively connect the Vault 2 by Ethernet to one of the Orbi mesh extension thingamabobs (or one of the competing network bridge thingies) and get it to work that way and without a hardwire connection to the router.
The vault 2 also works like a NAS, and I could play the ripped CDs off the Vault 2 through a Sonos Connect running wifi in another system.
I may have overstated the lack of difference between the ripped cds on the vault2 and the actual cd through a spinner. The differences in any case, to my ears, are very slight, but some cds sound better and some ripped cds sound better. A more trained ear on maybe more revealing gear may pick up on it more.
Most importantly, the bluesounds are so easy to use, and having Tidal Hifi and the full cd collection at my fingertips leads to more listening, especially casual listening.
Hopefully, I don't sound like a fanboy for these. At some point, I'll likely try upgrading at least one of the nodes...just not yet sure to what.
I believe the Vault 2 requires the ethernet connection to the router to enable updates, streaming, and the control from the phone/ipad, There's an easy to use app for the control. There may be other options, but here's how I have it:
Vault 2 connected by ethernet to the router in my office. It runs with my office stereo system.
I use Node 2s in a couple of other systems. The node 2 connect by wifi and can stream and play the ripped CDs on the Vault 2.
I bought a Netgear Orbi, but I haven't hooked it up yet. I think, but cannot yet confirm, that you could alternatively connect the Vault 2 by Ethernet to one of the Orbi mesh extension thingamabobs (or one of the competing network bridge thingies) and get it to work that way and without a hardwire connection to the router.
The vault 2 also works like a NAS, and I could play the ripped CDs off the Vault 2 through a Sonos Connect running wifi in another system.
I may have overstated the lack of difference between the ripped cds on the vault2 and the actual cd through a spinner. The differences in any case, to my ears, are very slight, but some cds sound better and some ripped cds sound better. A more trained ear on maybe more revealing gear may pick up on it more.
Most importantly, the bluesounds are so easy to use, and having Tidal Hifi and the full cd collection at my fingertips leads to more listening, especially casual listening.
Hopefully, I don't sound like a fanboy for these. At some point, I'll likely try upgrading at least one of the nodes...just not yet sure to what.