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

I meant "FPGA DAC"; Field Programable Gate Array.

I have a PS Audio Directstream Mk1.  I sent it to APS Transformers (J K Richards) for modification/upgrade.  I thought it was a good DAC to begin with; but after their modification,  it's a great DAC!! The mods gave it a better,  deeper soundstage,  more detail and realism, and much extended and cleaner bass. I haven't heard the Denafrips DAC,  so I can't compare the two; I just know that I'm extremely satisfied with the moded Mk1.  As to it being a 9 year old DAC,  remember it's a FPMG  DAC,  and PS Audio was continually upgrading the firmware until about 2 years ago. 

I did a review of the Terminator vs PS Audio Mk1 4 years ago. I still stand by my thoughts 4 years later and still own the PSA MK1 DAC.

https://youtu.be/FHO07PFHj60?si=Tnpv07wlaNycf9ht

DirectStream was S’phile A+ component. It was a Dac that many Reviewers used. Of course that was 7-9 yrs ago. Sure, digital keeps advancing. But an A+ DaC is still going to hold its own considering its age. whether the Denefrips is superior is hard to know. Every system has those which naturally fits with another well and some poor. I wouldn’t throw the DirectStream out of contention.

FWIW I have a Direct Stream. It syncs in rather well while getting its signal from the Aurender H100. The Aurender is the weak spot IMO. The rest of my system is listed FWIW  the DS has a very similar sound signature, very much like my Vinyl who is no sloutch

I have the original Pontus ll and love it!  I can only imagine how much better the Venus ll sounds. 

I have the Venus 12th and the New Ontech from Denmark based on the Burr Brown…have both going into the same streamer and same amp…definitely the Venus is so much better…

No one can make that decision but you. It's your tastes and your associated equipment. 

It seems that the USB on the directstream mk1 was just a bad implementation, because on the mk2 a lot of owners say it sounds just as good as the i2S.

You probably listened to the dacs with usb. Try using i2s or Ethernet with the ps audio. Another step up in quality which most other dacs don’t have those interfaces, only the better dacs do. Then if you do get the mk1, get their airlens streamer which will give you another increase in sq, and the airlens gets you i2s out to the mk1/mk2 and even the jr

Please review this review.

+1, Denafrips Venus II DAC.  My opinion. 

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. 

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 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”.

@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.

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

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.

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.

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. And realistically…not all will be an improvement. The bigger question will be; What will it take to satisfy me and am I just enjoying the process of buying and selling equipment?

Just to add:  the Venus is the 12th Aniv. edition.