Is it possible to find a good DAC for under $50, 000?

Some people are bummed that their budget is insufficient to participate in wanted products, so they change the focus to lash out to blame somebody else so that they can feel better about themselves.  Jealousy and envy is pointless, the only fruit is self misery so best to avoid which can be difficult if lack of maturity.  

@gdnrbob 

When I restarted my audio journey 10 years ago…,

I also started from scratch about 10ys ago

I was trying to get the most performance from the least amount of money.

Same here, trying to squeeze Sonics at the least cost

After lots of listening/relistening, I ended up realizing that sometimes you have to pay the money in order to get the sound you are wanting/expecting.

Yes - I had to double my budget and I’m still upgrading towards my endgame electronics.

Brinkmann Nyquist II - great choice- non-sterile and engaging 

50k:

• WADAX Studio Player
• Lampizator Horizon

…. is a point at which sensible effects cannot be discerned. At that point, it becomes either an exercise in confirmation bias and/or faith.

I disagree, typically those who purchase costly gear usually have a matching costly audio chain with noticeably lower noise floors to tell the difference.  “sensible” is not a word to describe our costly hobby, when wants don’t line up with our budgets can drive us crazy.