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

Facts as I know things;

1) people value things differently,

2) people spend on things they value and can afford, and

3) people satisfy base level needs (food) before higher level stuff (stereo)

Finally I just bought a new DAC in the MSB line.  It sounds better than my older and less expensive DAC from their line. Yes there are diminishing returns. Most non audiophile  people think we're nuts.

@skinzy - Well said, I agree.
You must have been happy with the sound of MSB to upgrade within the line.  I just purchased a new DAC also and MSB was on my very short list. Ergonomically, their Premier DAC would have worked out very nice for me. Maybe someday.

BTW, very nice room you have. I really like the built-ins, quarter sawn oak molding and drawers, and hammered pulls.  It looks like a great place to listen with a fire on a winter day!

Just for fun....

Facts as I know things:

1) people value things differently; sometimes, they think they are valuing something based on a what they would consider a good reason, and sometimes they fool themselves. This often leads to them chasing their own tail, wasting money (which they may not be intending to do), and avoiding improving other aspects of their system that would lead to sonic improvements that they desire.

2) people spend on things they value and can afford but sometimes they waste their money on things they think they value but are wrong about it. If I buy a beautiful car because I value how it looks, but it breaks down once a week, I have made a mistake.

3) people satisfy base level needs (food) before higher level stuff (stereo) – probably good to check with people who have gotten divorced over audio.

This is Vlad from Audio MIrror. Many cheaper DACs can sound better than more expensive ones. I have two models that outperform many other DACs with much higher prices. Tubadour VI is one of them - $7500 and big brother - WAVE Tube DAC - $22000. Both will be officially launched in 1-2 weeks. WAVE Tube DAC debuted at Axpona 25. I did some comparisons with other DACs. Tubadour VI outperforms Lampizator Pacific big time. WAVE Tube DAC sound equal to TAIKO Olympus with build in DAC.

…. 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.