How to Setup and Use your Bluesound Vault 2i Streamer

RICKY KOVACS | MOON AUDIO STAFF/AUG 13TH 2020

Introduction to Bluesound Vault 2i

How to Optimize Digital Transfer of your Bluesound Vault 2i

Specs of the Vault 2i

Conclusion

Preparing for Configuration of the Vault 2i

Frequently Asked Questions

Setup & Configuration of the Vault 2i

How To with the Vault 2i

Introduction to the Bluesound Vault 2i

The Bluesound Vault 2i is a network streamer that digitizes, organizes and displays your physical music library plus it allows you to connect to your high-res music streaming apps like Spotify, Tidal and Amazon Music. It is equipped with a 2TB hard drive, connects quickly to your LAN network and rips CDs quickly and quietly. The Vault 2i is the perfect addition for someone who wishes to have all their music, both digital and physical all in one place. Expect the Vault 2i to store your music reliably and provide you with multiple analog and digital input/output options. The Vault 2i will change the way you listen to music and fill your home via Bluetooth, Home Network connection and the BluOS controller app.

Moon-Audio is thrilled to offer our customers the Bluesound Vault 2i. We added it to our catalog for a number of reasons. Whether you buy Hi Res music or have a CD collection that you’d like to rip and store, the Vault 2i with a 2TB storage space is a great all in one solution for you to store your music collection, stream and introduce you to the server streamer world. Additionally, the Vault 2i is a Roon compatible device and can seamlessly work with all your other Roon devices to create a whole house audio montage.

Specs of the Bluesound Vault 2i

The Bluesound Vault 2i is a network streamer and server that rips and stores CDs and places them in your digital music library. It supports multiple file formats such as MP3, WMA, OPUS as well as High-Res formats including FLAC, WAV and AIFF. The Vault 2i operates at a bit depth of 16 - 24,and at a native Sampling rate of 32 - 192 kHz. It operates at a Signal to Noise ratio of 110dB. The Vault 2i operates with Microsoft and Apple operating systems and integrates with Control4, RTI, iPORT, ELAN, Airplay 2, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and others.

Preparing to configure the Bluesound Vault 2i

Configuring your Bluesound Vault 2i requires the following:

A Wifi or Wired Network connection in your home
One home power outlet
The FREE BluOS mobile app found in both Apple and Android App stores.
The Bluesound Windows/MacOS desktop system that allows for advanced controlling of your Bluesound Vault 2i.

Setup & Configuration of the Bluesound Vault 2i

Setting up and configuring your Bluesound Vault 2i is an easy 4 step process listed below:

Plug the power cord into the back of the Node on the right side to your power source and watch for the LED on the front side of the Node to turn green.
Connect your Bluesound Vault 2i via ethernet connection to your existing system or router.
Download the BluOS app to your Apple or Android smartphone or tablet. (Insert screenshot of search and App Icon)
Open up the BluOS app on your phone or tablet and follow the in-app instructions to complete your setup of the Bluesound Vault 2i.

How to Optimize Digital Transfer of your Bluesound Vault 2i

To get the most out of your Bluesound Vault 2i, we suggest you use one of our Dragon audio cables. The cables will improve and increase the details and soundstage of your music, along with providing a natural dB boost. We recommend the Blue Dragon analog interconnects to connect to your 2 channel system because of its value in price, its ability to create a calm and neutral sound and improve the dynamics of your music. If you’re looking for a more analytical sound signature, the Silver Dragon Toslink cable is a good option for you to consider and connect to your external Dac.

Conclusion

Whether you want to store your 500 CD collection or connect it to your current system, speakers or other Bluesound Products, the Vault 2i is a great addition to your home. The Vault 2i will digitize, centralize and store your music safely and is a network streamer that is easy to operate and understand. By using the BluOS controller app on your smartphone, laptop, or desktop computer, the functionality is seamless and quickly accesses your audio for you to enjoy.

The Vault2i is a Roon Software compatible device that when paired together with Roon is able to manage all of your music – on hard drives, NAS, and streaming content – and allow you to play it on all the audio devices around your home. Roon is a great way to run your Vault 2i.

At a price of $1299, the Vault 2i can serve as a middle ground when it comes to network streamer options, but it’s anything but middle ground when it comes to performance. With multiple audio out options, advanced and enhanced ethernet connectivity and its multi room capabilities, the Vault 2i changes the way you store your music collection and how you’ll experience it.. We hope this guide will assist you with your Vault 2i for many years to come.

FAQ or Frequently Asked Questions about the Bluesound Vault 2i

How do I Connect my Bluesound Vault 2i to my network?

To connect your Vault 2i, place your Vault 2i into a central location of your home and plug it into a power outlet. Download the BluOs mobile app for Apple or Android, as well as the desktop application via https://www.bluesound.com/downloads/. Once downloaded, wait for your player to appear in your selections, choose it via the menu option that appears on your phone or computer and click to connect.

What Supported File Formats are Compatible with the Bluesound Vault 2i?

MP3, AAC, WMA, OGG, WMA-L, ALAC, OPUS and Hi-Res formats - FLAC, MQA, WAV, AIFF

How do I Play DSD files in BluOS?

Initial playback of DSD files will require downloading the BluOS app for Windows or MacOS. To enable and play your DSD files, go to settings, select playback and switch the Enable DSD File Playback option from off to on by clicking the selector on the right hand side of the page.

Does the Vault 2i have a Standby Mode?

Yes, the Vault 2i is always in standby mode. To get the streamer out of standby mode, just connect and play through your BluOS desktop or mobile application

Is the Bluesound Vault 2i a Roon compatible device?

Yes, the Bluesound Vault 2i, is a Roon compatible device. With Bluesound’s most recent firmware update to the Vault 2i, it is now a RoonReady capable device. Your Roon connect option is found where your streaming options are found towards the bottom. Many customers choose to connect their Vault 2i endpoints to their Roon Nucleus or Nucleus Plus streaming music servers.

Does the Bluesound Vault 2i come with a remote control?

No and a remote is not available for purchase at this time. However, the BluOS app can act similarly to a remote control, thus your phone or tablet becomes the remote.

What cloud services and internet radio stations aren’t directly supported by the Vault 2i?

At this time, the Bluesound Vault 2i doesn’t support a direct Pandora Radio or Apple Music connection, but the Apple Airplay 2 capability of the Vault will allow for playback of both apps. It DOES support direct connection to popular apps such as Spotify, Amazon Music and iHeartRadio.

How do I connect cloud services and internet radio stations in the BluOS app?

To connect your cloud services and internet radio stations to your Vault 2i reference the instructions and pictures below.

Step 1: Open the Bluesound App and click the 3 horizontal lines in the left hand corner of your screen.
Step 2: Scroll to Music Services and select the service/station you’d like to download and connect with.
Step3: Follow the service or station prompts for connection and wait for it become a shortcut in your BluOS menu.

Can I use an external DAC with my Vault 2i?

While the Vault does have a built-in DAC, the Vault also supports the use of an external DAC. If you are using an external DAC which is MQA certified with your BluOS device you can choose to have the external DAC handle MQA unfolding rather than your BluOS device. To enable this setting, you will need to have Output level fixed enabled as well.

We used the Chord MOJO Headphone Amp/Dac as an upgrade option for either headphones or to use as a straight Dac into a home audio system.The MyTek Liberty DAC is another DAC to consider if you’d like to upgrade your Vault 2i experience. It is able to be used with all High Resolution audio formats, features multiple digital inputs, and is a small but powerful headphone amplifier. For more on the MyTek Liberty Dac, visit this link

Who and how do I contact if I am having a mechanical problem with my Vault 2i?

If you are experiencing mechanical difficulties, issues or problems with your Bluesound Vault 2i, you can contact Bluesound via E-Mail and/or phone at the following addresses and numbers below:

E-Mail: support@bluesound.com
Phone: North America - 1-855 -531-4666
EU - 00 800 53 14 66 66

How To’s with the Bluesound Vault 2i

How to Perform a Factory Reset of the Vault 2i

Please Note: When performing a factory reset, ALL CUSTOMIZATION INCLUDING WI-FI NETWORK CONFIGURATION, FILE SHARES AND SAVED PLAYLISTS WILL BE LOST. YOU WILL HAVE TO RE-CREATE THESE ONCE COMPLETE.
This process is only recommended if your player is not functioning or a firmware upgrade has failed. Contact an authorized Bluesound Customer Representative via the link before proceeding with the reset …
Follow these steps:
- Disconnect the player from electrical power.
-If you have a PULSE FLEX with a BP100 Battery Pack, disconnect the battery pack as well
- Wait 10 seconds
- Reconnect the power
- Once the LED turns Red, touch and hold the Play/Pause LED on the touch panel (It will immediately turn Green and then back to Red) - do not let go of the LED
- Once the LED turns back to Red, continue to hold the button for 30 seconds
- After 30 seconds, the LED will begin to blink red - then release the button
- IMPORTANT: Removing your finger from the LED at any time before the LED begins flashing red will cancel the factory reset and leave the player in Upgrade Mode. Just
start the steps again to factory reset the player.
- You will know the factory reset is successful if the player and simply connects as if it was a new player (LED will turn solid blue).

How to Rip a CD with the Vault 2i

To rip an audio CD, insert the CD into the slot located directly in the middle front portion of your Vault. Select the download type from the menu that appears before ripping. Prior to ripping, you are able to select what file type you’d like to rip to, they are: FLAC, MP3 (320kbps), and WAV selectable options. The rip will take anywhere from 4 -7 minutes. After ripping the cd check to see if it was added to the library and press play on any song.

How to Set an Alarm with the Vault 2i

Open your BluOS controller app with your smartphone or desktop and select settings. Click on alarms at the top of the menu, add alarm and customize by selecting the time, days and the song all on one page. You can also choose to fade in your choice by sliding the fade in button to the right. Review your modifications and then press save on your alarm to complete setup of the alarm.

How to Make Presets with the Vault 2i

To make or add a preset with your Bluesound Vault 2i, open your Bluos controller app with your smartphone or desktop and select My Presets at the top of the BluOS menu. Click the Add Preset button that appears in the middle of your app. The Vault 2i allows you to create presets from your cloud supported apps such as Spotify and Amazon Music. Create a name for your preset and press the save preset button in the middle of the screen.

How to Submit a Support Request through BluOS

Select the help option at the bottom of the BluOS app. The menu will appear and “Send support request” will be the second listed option in the help menu. Click on the option and a screen will appear to submit all your pertinent information and briefly describe what you need support with concerning your Node 2i. Click the send request button and check the email address that you used for a confirmation email from Bluesound.

How to Download BluOS for Windows or MAC

In order to download the BluOS app to your Windows or Mac desktop visit www.bluesound.com, go to the support tab at the top of the webpage, and click the downloads option in the dropdown. Scroll down to the desktop apps options and select the download platform that is compatible with your system and follow along with the system’s prompts.

Shortcuts for your Vault 2i

To find and use the shortcuts available to you via your Desktop BluOS app, click on the help section of your app and visit the shortcuts tab (5th option in menu) in order to find ways on how to shuffle, repeat, create playlists, raise the volume of your player and more through the convenience of your keyboard.

How to Update your BluOS software on the Vault 2i

In order to update your Bluesound Vault 2i visit the help section of your BluOS app. Select Upgrade Check - Player, allow the app to search for updates. If there is an update available, select the option and follow the guided prompts accordingly on your Windows or MAC system.

How to Enable DSD File Playback on the Vault 2i

The Bluesound Vault 2i is not equipped to playback DSD files and will not output DSD files via the Coax or Toslink output. Plus, USB Digital output is required, which neither the Node or Vault offer. However, you can make your DSD files play back on the Vault 2i in a few short steps. To enable your DSD files, go to settings, select playback and switch the Enable DSD File Playback option from off to on by clicking the selector on the right hand side of the page.
Please note: Your Bluesound cannot process the DSD files via the internal Dac, thus it creates a new copy of the original DSD file but in Flac file format. NOTE: If you have a lot of DSD files make sure you have the audio storage for all the new Flac files it will create or you will run out of storage space.

How to Connect Amazon Alexa with the Vault 2i

In order to connect your Amazon Alexa to your Bluesound Vault 2i, select the Music Services tab in your BluOS app menu. Select the appropriate Room name in your drop down menu and login accordingly.

BluOS Amazon Alexa Music Services Screen

How to Access your Music Library

Go to the settings tab in the BluOS app and select network shares, then proceed by clicking on the find network shares button on the left side of your screen. If your library can’t be found this way, there is an input manually option available to you at the bottom of the find network shares page.

How to control your audio quality and sound playback in the BluOS App

To customize and control the way your music sounds on the Bluesound Node 2i, go to the settings tab in the BluOS menu, select player and proceed to the audio tab that appears. The audio menu will then allow you to control tone, select replay gain, monitor outputs and establish volume limits.

Ricky Kovacs

My dad told me to be responsible and get a job that would allow me to finance my passion for music. Well, I did. That's why I spend all day in a proverbial candy store for music lovers. It's a dream job really.

Ricky Kovacs is a performer at heart but loves to bring his passion and experience with music to others. With a background in both politics and religion, Ricky has a knack for writing about divisive topics - which is why at the end of the day he loves writing about the one thing that brings us all together: music. Outside of Moon Audio, Ricky enjoys performing music in his band, recording, video games, virtual photography, reading, traveling, partaking in the finest scotch, and spending time with his wife, newborn, and doggy.

Moon Audio strives to provide the most relevant collection of curated audiophile products for our customers. Our reviews and product guides are designed to inform our community and share our passion for audio technology. Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned professional, we're glad you joined us.

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