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

Why all the angst?  No one is saying you should buy it.  Don't you ever like to look at say exotic cars or classic cars or boats or for women expensive fashion or jewelry etc?  It is informative.  And gorgeous.  And probably sounds stunning.

I may be in the minority here, but I do think it’s overkill to spend 50K on a DAC. Even if you could afford it, how much better will it help you get into the music, which I believe is the central point of our hobby?  You certainly can do that for a hell of a lot less money. If you want to hear the breathing of the cellist, or the stomp of the conductor on the podium and such, that’s fine.   Spend it.
Audio has reached a point today where 99.5 of what’s on a recording can be produced just fine with relatively modest cost.  
I don’t begrudge the spending of big money for audio equipment for getting that .5 percent.  I just don’t see the point of it.

Utter nonsense.  I challenge ANYONE here to see if they can hear the difference between a $50,000 DAC and a $5000 one.  Hell, even a $1500 DAC.  You don't need to spend as much on a DAC as you would on a car.

I recently read an editorial that obliquely tackles this subject.  The main point was who actually had a true reference as to what is a perfect reproduction.  Many recordings are not venue specific.  Those that are were made in the past in a place no one can revisit.  So unless one is a musician what sets the standard?  

@guscreek 

I don't believe most audiophiles want a warts and all true reproduction, especially the valve contingent. Live music can be very noisy and brash, a far cry from the warmth of valves. Transistors are more accurate and truthfull and take far longer to suffer wear and degradation.