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

Good advice given here, and I agree with the keep what you have if it sound good and makes you smile. Just because a piece of gear is technically better does not mean it will be the sound for you. I had both terminator and Pontus. I preferred the sound of the Pontus and sold the terminator.

Never heard the Denafrips. However had ordered the MK1 from TMR and last weekend compared it to the internal DAC of the Hegel 590 and also a Weiss 202. Both the MK1 and the 202 could not hold a candle to the Hegel. Suffice to say the MK1 is on its way back to TMR and the Weiss back to the friend from whom it was borrowed.

I had a DirectStream Mk 1. It sounded good to me but I didn't like it's streamer card. It crashed all the time.  I bought an AirLens and that was a lovely upgrade. PS Audio had a trade-in deal which gave me the DirectStream II for $3500. THAT was a good deal. The 2nd iteration of their DAC is better- not exponentially better but audibly better. They are heavy - the build quality is really good. they use discreet components which is a big deal. 

I'll probably buy something better in the future- the Playback Designs MPD 8 is on my wish list. 

TMR is a great dealer to do business with. Regrettably, I missed both a Denafrips Ares 15 and a Holo Audio Cyan 2 within days of each other. Opinion please - which would you choose for around $1200 ?

@yesiam_a_pirate 

I had a DirectStream Mk 1. It sounded good to me but I didn't like it's streamer card

Ill give a hearty Amen on that. I'm not sure I ever got it working...at least not correctly.

DaC is fine for now. It plays well with my system & sounds rather good. I'm sure there is better but the player is my weak spot IMO