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

I have been hesitant to wade into this discussion because there seems to be a fair amount of negativity surrounding the particular subject. And, a lot of belief that may or may not be supported by direct evidence. 

Can you hear the difference a more expensive DAC brings? While I’m sure there are units that do not bring more to the table, in my case, they did. My first “good” DAC was the Auralic Vega G2.1. I was fully satisfied with it and felt I was done. My dealer suggested I audition the T+A DAC 200. Smart dealer. I purchased it after an extensive (2 week) audition at home. I sold the Auralic and again felt I was done.

After about a year, then that same dealer had me try the T+A SDV 3100 DAC . At first I was disappointed because it didn’t sound better out of the box - but it wasn’t broken in. It is now fully broken in and I sincerely doubt there is anyone on this thread that would not easily prefer the more expensive unit. The DAC 200 is very, very good - certainly the best I’ve heard in its price bracket. Many others feel the same. It’s a special DAC. Yet, the new unit is better in every way. It’s not my imagination. Nor is it confirmation bias at work. I had justified upgrading because I fully intended to put the DAC 200 in a separate system. But, I’ve been so pleased with the new unit that I bought another one for that system when I found one pre-owned (very lightly used for a headphone system only) and will be selling the DAC 200.

My rooms are not heavily treated though I’m attentive to network details and have done what I can on setup. But, yes you can hear the benefits of better DACs. Of course, I’m skeptical like many of you. Some units are expensive eye candy. And some are not my cup of tea. But, others truly are better. Measurably and audibly, and demonstrably so. 

It would have been better for my wallet were it not true.

@mgrif104 

Yet, the new unit is better in every way. It’s not my imagination. Nor is it confirmation bias at work...My rooms are not heavily treated though I’m attentive to network details and have done what I can on setup. But, yes you can hear the benefits of better DACs. 

Thanks for your report. You sound like a careful and sensitive listener. Your report provides a strong data point against my skeptical remarks. Appreciated.

@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.

For those who can afford a $50K and higher DAC, more power to them. I hope they enjoy them immensely.  But if I could afford a $50K DAC, I’d have to ask myself if I’d be happier just staying all analog via LP and eliminating any digital mess at all? I mean, if you can afford a $50K DAC, you likely could afford buying a few LPs. At $30 a pop, for the same amount of money you could buy 1666 LPs and listen in all their analog glory, not worrying about zeros and ones at all. If each LP lasted about 40 minutes, then you'd have over 1100 HOURs of music to enjoy. 

@knittersspouse  - Glad to see that you have been at it for a while. At the end of the day, it’s all about enjoying the music. I am very bullish about digital. I think that’s the future: we will match the best table sound at a fraction of the cost. I also believe that Stereo is here to stay: 2 channels done correctly as intended by the inventor of the stereo format is enough to take you to heaven. Not long ago a 5 MD hard drive was around $30, 000 and could hold 5 photos. It also required a truck to move it. 
I am not lying. DAC will be a solved problem soon, just like class D amplification and preamplifier or automatic transmission. I might not be around to see it but I know it’s coming. I can almost see the promise land. Once we can get AI to design it for us, based on our requirements, it’s going to be cheap. We will be looking at $50,000 DACs the same way I look at my grandparents’  « giant 36 in » TV today. Enjoy the music.