My 1st stand alone DAC was a Rega DACr & was eye-opening for sure. Filters were a negligible gimmick but still, was a fine piece & played great. Next was a Line Magnetic LM-502ca @smoorenc (still have it) and that was/is a fabulous DAC especially having Brimar 12au7s swapped in. These days I mostly use a Canor DAC 2.10 that uses 6922 tubes (now stuffed with Siemans E88cc) and its about as god my system is ever gonna sound. I'm at the tweak stage as all other components are dialed in. So, yes, my 1st DAC made a noticeable difference and as I've gone slowly up the ladder, each new DAC has been an equally impactful upgrade. Just my experience
Do you recall "instant improvement" from your first stand-alone DAC ?
After weeks of research I recently ordered my first external DAC. My system is modest by most accounts... Van Alstine SET400 amp, T-10 tube pre-amp, Salk HT2-TL speakers, WiiM Ultra streamer/DAC. It sounds very good to me... resolving, clear, excellent bass, mids, highs. Then I started reading and asking about streamers and DACs and it seems my system could sound better. So I did a lot of reading and ultimately ordered a used Merason Frerot with factory wal wort power supply. Now the anxiety of second-guessing my choice and what it will sound like in my system. Cuz there are no stores near me to demo DACS. Eventually I will likely upgrade the streamer.
What did you notice the most about your first stand-alone DAC... more clarity, richness, scary good vocals, extended highs, more airy highs, more and better bass ? Better soundstage and imaging ? All the above ?