The only reason to put out $50K or more on a DAC or digital system is if it has the sound quality to justify it and you are able. There are plenty of DACs/digital front ends/combos the sell for well in excess of $50K. Yes, I know there are lots of affordable DACs coming from across the pond that are affordable and sound pretty decent. But don't be fooled into believing that they sound anywhere near as good as some of the justifiably expensive digital components available today. Can digital components in excess of $50K to $375K be considered a good value. You bet they can, if the performance is at another level of sound quality. One such example is the Master Fidelity NADAC D (DAC) and NADAC C (Clock). This may sound like a shameless plug, but the sound performance of this combo is unlike anything I've ever experienced. It's an experience to hear them playing my favorite tracks. And the combo, while not pocket change, sells for $55K. It's the best value I've yet experienced in the realm of digital audio. From my experience it bests the uber expensive players in the industry (which are admittedly very good).
8 Reasons why you should buy an $50,000 DAC
Penned some thoughts on my experience of why I invested in an Uber expensive DAC and how it turned out (more to come) , https://audiofool.substack.com/p/8-reasons-why-you-should-buy-a-50000
Hopefully you find it entertaining.
Brickbats, bouquets and anything in between most welcome.