PSAudio Directstream DAC M-1 (refurb) vs Denafrips Venus II. Quick decision needed!

The Venus II12th is a very high end DAC, it’s qualities are well layered soundstage with great  width and depth, high level of detail yet delicate. It’s a ladder DAC so smoother sounding than delta sigma. You have a very fine DAC and I suggest you just enjoy it. Let it run a while even though it is used. They take a while to settle in. I sincerely doubt the PS Audio would be any better, it may be different but not better.

Huh, you could get a new Pontus 15th which is essentially a Venus for around $2,000.  Denafrips is now direct and gives you a one level up Dac for for the price of the lower level Dac.

Then you better make a quick decision.
for me neither.

@howardlee PS Audio DSD MkI is always available on a used market where you can pick it up for around $1200-$1400. I wouldn’t sweat it. If Venus sounds good to you, keep it and enjoy it.

I vote for the Denafrips Venus II DAC because of its Sound Quality. It has an open, airy sound with high detail and transparency and offers a precise, controlled sound that is fluid and refined.

It uses a 26-bit R2R ladder DAC with high-tolerance resistors and supports native DSD. It has multiple digital inputs, including USB and AES/EBU. The Venus II is compact but dense, with a robust build quality.

“The soundstage of the Denafrips Venus II is wide and dispersive, offering a romanticized, enveloping experience with a full-bodied sound. It provides a more fluid and languid presentation, which can be particularly engaging for certain types of music”. 

+1, As stated above by @2psyop , “I would listen to the Denafrips and take note of the sound. Is it to your liking? Does it make you smile when listening? There will always be another component lurking around the corner”.