[strannik]

 
I have an on-board sound card with an Analog Devices ADI2000B codec, which already sounds pretty incredible compared to my Cowon J3 (Wolfson WM8750 codec?). The ADI2000B doesn't appear to officially exist, but may be an ASUS exclusive version of the AD1989B codec.
 
My question is, if I buy a well-respected DAC, say a Yulong D100 which uses the Analog Devices AD1955 chip, how much, if any increase in SQ can I expect? Would the SQ depend on more than just the DAC chip itself? I wouldn't want to spend a half a grand on a DAC if what I have is already fairly close.
 
Any guidance is much appreciated.

 

[Adda]

The DAC chipset (AD1955, WM8750 or what ever) doesn't have a very big impact on the sound, the power supply and output stage is much more important.
Pretty much any dedicated (external) DAC should blow your Cowon and ASUS integrated audio out of the water.