Yes! At every DAC upgrade I heard more resolution, more life, more engagement. My upgrade path went Classe internal DAC > PS Audio DS1 > Auralic Vega G2 > Mola Mola Tambaqui. (All using internal bridge). Then I got a decent streamer, Auralic Aries G1 an that made things more lifelike, breathing air into the sound. Everything does matter, and power supplies (if needed), cables, and tweaks to digital front end all add. With your Tube gear @foamcutter, I would suspect a highly resolving DAC would be amazing.
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 ?