Do you recall "instant improvement" from your first stand-alone DAC ?

I stepped up from using the DAC in a McIntosh C52 to an Allnic D-10000. Granted, the Allnic is pretty high-end, being tube driven, output transformer-less and output capacitor-less. The difference was profound. More of everything: black backgrounds, soundstage, warmth, and an analog-like sound. It’s amazing how a dedicated DAC can change your digital game. 

My first DAC was junk. My second DAC was junk junque. My third DAC was a bit better. It wasn’t until I bought a Denafrips Pontus ll that things started improving considerably.

I think you will notice the difference, and the Frerot is a good choice. I think you are on the right track in keeping your expectations in check. You are only just starting down the digital rabbit hole, be patient and let your impressions of the gear form over time. 

1+ Mahler123 I use spdif as well

OP

just to add more to my post above, my first DAC was a Chord Mojo, then tried SMSL, then Chord Qu test, then went up the Denafrips food chain Ares and finally Venus. All these aforementioned DACS presented music on its own way. 

Some say most DAC sound the same. True if your gear's synergy will not at par. But if you had the correct synergy, you would hear differences. A friend of mine who has the Lamp Atlantic TRP wanted to hear if his TRP would make a difference in my gear and so we did a shootout between his TRP versus my Venus. YUP hands down the TRP is a league of its own. music details and nuisances are presents even on streaming media and Vocals are so surreal that I realize I have a long way to go just on my DACs alone. But DSD recorded data stored on my Eversolo dmp-A6 was the true source to beat. Unfortunately, i could not afford the TRP. and so I am back to my trusty friend