Comparing Directstream 1 and 2

I agree with what's been said.  A/B testing has its place, but if you have to go through A/B or blind A/B test to decide which is better, it's probably not worth the upgrade.  I've done some comparisons between MK1 and Mk2, there was no need to go through A/B'ing.  It was that obvious.  I was ready to upgrade using the trade-in, but decided to upgrade the transformer and VOCM mod.  And now the MK1 sounds as good as MK2.  If you already have MK1, I would highly recommend going that route instead of upgrading.  

Here is a new thread discussing both.

I agree don’t rush this.

listen to the old dac for a few days using your favorite playlist. keep the new dac powered on (this is the key so you’re switching to a DAC that doesn’t need to warm up)
switch to new dac use the same playlist. Keep the old dac powered on even if you are switching power cords that’s brief so no issues there. Listen for a few days. Then put the old dac back into rotation. If you notice some qualities that you’re missing and can’t live without, you’ve made your choice.

Talk to ps audio to get an extension on home evaluation. They should understand you’re dealing with unforeseen circumstances. If they don’t, you have also made your choice.

Audio stuff aside, I wish you quick recovery and good health. That’s the important stuff.

Thaks audphile1 for your wishes-very much appreciated. You’re absolutely correct about priorities.  I went through some scary times but things are better now and I’m back to audio. Here’s an update. I kept the Directstream 2 because I thought there was a small improvement over the 1.  But I recently installed the latest PS Audio firmware update (called “massive”) and the improvement is, in fact, massive so I’m happy I kept the 2.

Glad to hear!