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

The technical issues with digital brought up in video are well known, I've read any number of white papers written by well regarded dac designers stating these same issues.

The amount of diminishing returns with any audio component dependent on the quality of the entirety of one's system. I don't doubt reviewer is hearing exactly what he claims, he has access to far more equipment at all price levels than any of us, and he can evaluate all these components at his leisure in an optimized system and room. The issues he's speaking to are not going to be of great consequence in lesser systems, money probably better spent elsewhere. Based on my own experience with ever better streamers/dacs  I don't doubt greater strides towards a more analog/lifelike  presentation are continually being made.

@hilde45 He's speaking to the well heeled audiophile and non audiophile, also to those who aspire to have the very best. I don't understand why some bash these types of components out of hand, at least some of these sky high priced components  are moving the technology forward, especially in the digital realm. Over time, if there i truly is new technology at work here, it will eventually trickle down into the more affordable category. So unless you believe audio hasn't progressed, this is how it works. Based on my experience and many others, digital in general, and streaming digital in particular is making great strides in presenting a more resolving and analog like listening experience, it will get even better with affordable components going into the future.

@hilde45 Good points. As for the professional reviewer vs amateur/owner reviews. I presume at a certain level per this particular reviewer, he has access to virtually all audio components at all price levels. So, I'd suggest this kind of reviewer will have much less attachment to the equipment, one pretty face can be easily replaced by another. Now there is the question of financial incentives with prof. reviews and reviewers. As for the amateur/owner reviews, I'm always mindful of the possibility of attachment/confirmation bias with this, the idea being we present/believe our choices based solely on objective analysis.

As for the expensive flavor of the month component. The test of time will bring out the true value.