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

I wouldn’t even consider a clunky old dinosaur like the Meridian.  Just look at the size difference and appearance.  Bluesound is the way to go.  I have the Vault 2 in my modest summer home system.  It functions flawlessly and sounds great.  The BluOS interface is easy for anyone to use via iPad or iPhone instead of a separate dedicated screen like the Meridian.

 I have a new Node 2i setup in my big system at my winter home.  I stream Tidal, well recorded albums in the MQA format are superb.  I am amazed that an inexpensive product can sound the way it does in a very accomplished system.  The wireless connection is completely stable and sound quality has far exceeded my expectations.

With either the Vault or Node, you have easy setup for any of the streaming services, Radio Paradise, hundreds of radio stations already there, and MQA decoding.  There is also the Bluetooth connectivity so a guest can play music from their phone.  You can also play you tube music through your system.  If you have a 4K TV you can use the optical input of the Bluesound to play the TV through the stereo without changing any connections all through the BluOS app and your TV remote.

I have approximately 700 CD’s loaded to my Vault 2 and never noticed any appreciable difference in loading time between the first and last.  My guesstimate is around 10 minutes per CD.  Of course, put your favorites in first.

Tidal is fantastic.  I’ve listened to a lot of albums that I had considered buying but after hearing some of them I’m glad I didn’t.  Tidal saved me from a lot of clinkers.  By the same token, I’ve been able to listen and enjoy other works that I would not have considered.  A big win for me.

Backup is easy.  There is a function in the BluOS app for that.  Just connect an external hard drive and press the button in the app.  I recall the backup took around 6-7 hours.
Bluesound will rip to wav or flac.  I went with flac.  Couldn’t say one is better than the other since I never compared.  I am satisfied with the sound of the flac files.
If the new Vault 2i sounds like my Node2i, I seriously doubt you will find any reason to add an external dac.  It’s that good.

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.