Someone asked how the DAC sounds in the Vault. That's impossible to answer. What DAC's is it going against and what are your system's limitations? On the systems that it will be playing on most of the time, the unit is outstanding for what it give you. Can you get a better stand alone DAC? Of course, but at what price point is the better question. I've gone to many stores around the country (US) and many use the Vault to serve their systems and that often includes their high end systems. Now most of the store owners don't understand digital if they do this (I promise you that most of the owners feel that folks don't honestly audition anyways and that if they are all getting fed the same signal, they will still sell their gear). Is it as good as a Codex? Not even on the same planet. That said, the Codex is balanced unit that has a balanced headphone amp and costs 1800. I've heard it against one of the Schitt units that lists for under 1k,but I don't remember which one and I felt the Vault 2 was right there and it has everything else with it that folks in this thread seem to want. I wouldn't use it for my main system, but I also have a pretty nice rig going, but I love putting systems together for folks starting off or upgrading. I think it is in great company with a pair of say Vandersteen 2c's an NAD integrated/separates and some inexpensive Audioquest cabling. Throw in a decent little turntable and you have an outstanding system that most folks would kill for. Would you listen and keep wondering if you should have gotten a better DAC? Of course you would as you are an audiophile. Just use your ears though and enjoy the music in MQA, streaming from Tidal and how easy it is to use with Roon. You'll be in heaven and loving what you hear for many a year.
JMHO...I also think it's a bargain, especially because it's also small and so easy to use.
JMHO...I also think it's a bargain, especially because it's also small and so easy to use.