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

@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”.

OK guys, that does it for me. There are some smart people on this forum.  I like researching these things, but nothing matters much unless it's in your house with your setup.  Hard to do that now; not like the old days.  I'm usually too impatient to "enjoy" the buying and selling process. 

I went that route.  I ordered the Directstream listened to it for a day and sent it back.  Bought a Denafrips Terminator.  It instantly sounded better. 

Please review this review.

+1, Denafrips Venus II DAC.  My opinion.