Point of diminishing return for a DAC

I think anywhere past $2500 has diminishing returns. Plus, in order to realize the benefits of ”more” in a DAC, you need to keep spending on other stuff first, then you’re on the audiofool merry go around.

I pretty much agree with @ianrmack on this. For $2500 or less, you can get all flavors of DACs. My choice would be something neutral like the Benchmark models, but many others are available. I expect improvement can be had beyond that, but it will require a great surrounding system and room and maybe that improvement can be achieved cheaper otherwise.