An interesting tidbit.
Of course, how it applies to audio depends on how one defines “an extended process.” 
There is nothing wrong with declaring the best one can afford is your endgame DAC.
1 Like
There’s always something better, if you can afford and justify the cost. If you look at it from the perspective that you’re missing out, you’ll never appreciate what you currently have.
6 Likes
Exactly…it could well turn out that the “extended process” is likened to
a journey where new unforeseen resources happen along…allowing the formerly
unachievable to be achievable…
My current system was unthinkable for me a few years ago…but today amazingly
is come true…
Best wishes everyone!!
1 Like
RIght on Gary_M
There is no end to the game, so there can never be an end game to anything.
2 Likes
Gary_M
Just you wait 'enry 'Iggins jest you wait!!..
Retirement…unforeseen financial restrictions…such as common to man…
then it may well be that your current system is the end of the game…
Best wishes
1 Like
This is by far the most exhausting topic. 
Energy can not be created or destroyed.
2 Likes
Excellent point, Gary.
Ok so you will be around at or as energetic at 90 or 100 ?
It only changes state…
So back to main topic…
Best wishes y’all
Atrophy doesn’t allow for that, but the energy once had is certainly still around.
Like with stock:
Your money‘s not gone, it’s just that another one got it.
1 Like
All I know it’s hard being me… 
3 Likes
This just plain ol’ elitism…….
1 Like
Or the truth. 
Lots of very passionate personal opinions.
Here are some objective facts.
These are the dacs the elite high end press reviewed and selected:
The Absolute Sound buyer’s guide, starting from the top, in USD:
Wadax Atlantis Reference:145k
Solution 760: 72k
MSB Technologies Reference: 39.5k and up
Ideon Audio Absolute: 34.9k
Berkeley Audio Design Alpha Reference Series 3: 25k
Brinkmann Audio Nyquist mkII: 18k
dCS Bartok: 16k
Berkeley Audio Design Alpha Series 3: 11k
Playback Designs Merlot: 6.5k
Etc
Stereophile A+ recommended components:
Benchmark Media Systems DAC3 HGC: $2199
Bricasti M1SE: $10,000
Chord Electronics DAVE: $10,900
Chord Hugo M Scaler: $4795
dCS Bartók with headphone amp: $18,500
w/o headphone amp: $16,000
dCS Rossini DAC 2.0: $26,000
EMM Labs DV2: $30,000
HoloAudio May KTE (Level 3): $4998 as reviewed
Okto dac8 Stereo: €1289 (€1378 with Streaming Option) $$$
PS Audio PerfectWave DirectStream DAC: $5999 ★
T+A DAC 8 DSD: $4450
Weiss DAC502: $10,795
Hi Fi News Ultimate 2021:
Audio Analogue AAdac
Matrix Audio Element X
Meitner Audio MA3
Merason DAC1
1 Like
Awards for dacs:
Absolute Sound golden ear awards:
Berkeley Audio Design Alpha Series 3, R Hartley
Stereophile product of the year (based on votes from all reviewers):
2020: HoloAudio May KTE
2021: Okto Dac8 Stereo
1 Like
Agree on both major points expressed; price is correlated to quality & efficacy; and the May is likely a very good DAC but not the best.
2 Likes
And who cares if it makes it’s owner happy.
2 Likes
1 Like