Best Dac/Transport Under 50,000

I recently had the opportunity to audition the Zanden 5000 Mk. IV/ 2000 transport combo (with I2S link) in NYC. While it is phenomenally good--as well it should be for the $43k asking price--I still prefer the Meitner. The Zanden, to these ears, has a very soft, analog, rounded sound--perhaps a little TOO rounded IMHO. As a poster mentioned above, the Meitner sounds neither digital nor analog. It really is in a class by itself. I've never heard digital reproduced so accurately and warmly at the same time. I personally chose the Meitner for those very reasons, and so far nothing has surpassed it, not even the Zanden, which costs ~$25k more.

First thing is to ask yourself do want SACD capability: given you are an analogue guy, I would strongly suggest you look into SACD/CD players. Thus Reimyo and Zanden, the two best CD only players I've heard,..you may want to rule out. I audition Meitner CDSD transport + DCC2 (assuming you don't need multi channel), dCS Verdi La Scala + Elgar + DAC, Esoteric P-01 & D-01, Accuphase DP100 + DC101. I ended up choosing Meitner gear but you may differ.

No one mentioned Stax x1t DAC, I'm surprised. The Stax x1t is far the most analog sounding DAC I've heard. Outperforming the Zanden in my opinion!

Nobody asked my opinion but I am gonna give it for free so dont bitch, $50,000 for a Transport and DAC is insane, why not get a multi player for sacd, just get a Samsung at Wallmart for $100 and be done with it lol

Chadnliz...because the best players are far better than the Samsung.....its only a question of money, and by the dound of it Roy is willing and capable to burn.