It is interesting to me that the Bluesound Vault does not allow for an external HDD for additional music. I have the Node 2 with no ripper or storage and it allows me to access a Western Digital MyCloud NAS drive with the ability to expand my storage. I would think the Vault GUI would allow one to point to a network with additional music, just like my Node 2!
Music Server - The Search Begins
I recently upgraded my amp to a Lyngdorf TDAI-3400, which incorporates the highest quality DAC I have owned, so it's gotten me to seriously consider adding a music server to my system.
I've been mainly playing records through my system for the past 8 years, so I really haven't paid much attention to the digital side of things. I need some help figuring out what's ideal for my needs.
The main criteria I have:
- Needs to be able to store a lot of music because I have thousands of CDs and downloads I want to store in one place
- Should have its own CD ripper
- Needs to be easy to use. I'd like to be able to navigate it without having to use a phone, tablet or computer all the time
- Must be reliable. Glitchy, buggy systems will end up being returned.
- Must sound good, but doesn't need to be in the top 5% of its class.
- Should be under $3K (but willing to consider higher priced if the benefits are really worth it)
Servers that I've been considering include the Cocktail Audio X50D, Sony HAP-Z1ES, BlueSound Vault, Melco N1. I realize that not all of these on my list include every criteria I listed above, hence my plea for help.
If you have experience using a server that you really like and that might make sense for me please share your experiences. Thanks so much!!
Peter
I've been mainly playing records through my system for the past 8 years, so I really haven't paid much attention to the digital side of things. I need some help figuring out what's ideal for my needs.
The main criteria I have:
- Needs to be able to store a lot of music because I have thousands of CDs and downloads I want to store in one place
- Should have its own CD ripper
- Needs to be easy to use. I'd like to be able to navigate it without having to use a phone, tablet or computer all the time
- Must be reliable. Glitchy, buggy systems will end up being returned.
- Must sound good, but doesn't need to be in the top 5% of its class.
- Should be under $3K (but willing to consider higher priced if the benefits are really worth it)
Servers that I've been considering include the Cocktail Audio X50D, Sony HAP-Z1ES, BlueSound Vault, Melco N1. I realize that not all of these on my list include every criteria I listed above, hence my plea for help.
If you have experience using a server that you really like and that might make sense for me please share your experiences. Thanks so much!!
Peter
Showing 3 responses by 2psyop
mahler123 Thanks for the clarification on the Vault2. I had thought that maybe the USB connection was not intended for accessing external files on a HDD or NAS. I use the BluOs app on my tablet, phone and computer to get to the NAS folder to play external files, just as you do. It is worth noting that Bluesound has it’s own way to recognize a folder with music and metadata. Each folder must have the music files AND a jpg or png image of that (album) or artwork associated with the piece of music labeled cover.jpg. I had to make these folders myself since much of my library consisted of folders with artwork files Bluesound would not recognize. I am sure whatever file folders the Vault2 creates on it’s internal HDD when you rip a CD, it does it automatically. When using a Node 2 that does not automatically create these music files with the correct metadata like the Vault2, one must understand how Bluesound works with files. https://support1.bluesound.com/hc/en-us/articles/200271926-Why-is-some-of-my-Album-Cover-Art-shown-a...It is good information for anyone thinking of buying a Vault2 that it does indeed allow for as much music you would want to use it for. It is not limited to the internal HDD storage. |
There are many reasons the Bluesound system was right for me. First it is, for the most part, budget audio gear. I paid $499 for my Node 2 and it has punched way above my expectations. Secondly, it is very versatile allowing me to listen to my digital library on a NAS or stream music like Tidal, Tidal MQA, Spotify or other services ( I think the Vault 2 would allow the user to play the Vault internal library of music or another external library as an option as well) Third, the customer service has been truly top rate and have helped me with some setup issues. Fourth, Lenbrook and NAD have an experienced team in digital audio and you could go with the higher end NAD systems later. Lastly, my impression is that even though there are many other platform choices at different price points from various high end manufacturers of audio, Bluesound (Lenbrook) have invested alot into making their system work and improve upon it. They seem to work for me, but good luck with the OP’s choice...whichever ecosystem he goes with. |