Oppo sonica 9018 chip

I have a first gen Oppo sonica and was wondering if I’d notice a big difference by buying an external dac and using the a Sonica just as a streamer. Any thoughts on which dac to buy?f

I like a forward sound with lots of detsil and large soundstage. Current equipment is David Belles 22a pre with 150 ref2 amp. Falcon Q7s but need bigger speakers for the room. I stream all my music and the listening area is 11x13 but in a very lively room that is open concept to rear and left side. 

thanks for your guidance