ESI Juli@ vs modern DAC

[vitaliy_]

Hi everyone,

My current setup: source - PC with ESI Juli@ soundcard, amp - Marantz pm6003, speakers - Kef Q300. Speakers are standing on the corner table apprx. 0.5 meter away from my chair. Room is 25 sqr. Meters big.

I play standart PCM 44.1/16 tracks with foobar2000 app (ASIO output plugin). My preferred genres are acid jazz, alternative. Sometimes metal.

I wonder, if it worth replacing my audiocard with some decent DAC (300-500eur)? Will I feel the difference? Or I need more sophisticated components for this upgrade to make a difference?

Right now I don't have a possibility to test any DACs, so I'm asking for your advice.

 

[Vladimir]

I remember there was a hi-fi 'scandal' when someone took off the cover of his new high end DAC and found an ESI Juli inside. Obviously someone thought it is a competent solution. However, if you want different IO facilities and standalone function, then moving towards a separate DAC would be the right direction.

 

[vitaliy_]

Thanks!

I'm ok with current architecture (PC->amp->speakers).

The only thing that I'm interested in is the quality of sound.