In your opinion, what is Hi, Medium and Low end?


Hey All,

I am new to this arena and for all the reading and homework it seems like there is a lot of circumstance out there. It seems that the comment that I see the most is, “…see how it works with your system.” And while this is true about a great many things in life it seems that we are all trying to find a sense for balance for our budget. The other thing that I learned is the spending a lot will not always yield the desired result.

So…regardless of price, here is my question. In your opinion, if your were to put together a system (say something to do it all, as I don’t know about everyone else but I couldn’t afford one for music and one for movies and other activities) in the following three categories: as high medium and low; what would it look like?

Say maybe with the following categories:

1) Processor, Preamp & Amp OR Receiver
2) Sources (CD, Phono or whatever)
3) Cables (Speak, Interconnect and whatever)
4) Power and related products
5) Other tweaks

Did I miss anything? Please feel free to add. :D

There are no motives hear but to learn, I have just bought a bunch of stuff that make me happy and I am just curious or maybe trying to prove that I am not on crack. ;-)

Cheers,

Blu
blu_audio

Showing 12 responses by gogirl

Hello,I just joined this boy's club.My boyfriend has what he calls a high-end system.My dad says his system is only mid-fi
(I think I know what that means)When we are all together they always discuss their systems.I am tired of being left out so I joined Audiogon to learn.Actually I didnt understand the question but I understand Albertporters answer perfectly.
I'll keep looking and learning and will have some questions for you guys in the future.
Dcstep,Thank you for understanding what I was trying to say.
I did not try to demean any ones system.In fact 99% of you will have a better and more expensive system then I when I complete mine.Possibly,I'm to impatient.I want to learn about as much as I can as fast as I can.In re-reading some of your posts I find your systems evolved over long periods of time.Maybe I should slow down.
Hello All,Dcstep I took your suggestion and looked at Mr. Porters system.I also looked at his professional background.
This confuses my even more.
Some of you have stated that there are no low or mid-fi these days all equipment is good.Some say have fun with it.
It seems that the price of Mr.Porters system can support a third world country.I dont think Mr.Porter intentionally wants to spend his hard earned dollars on what I checked to be a very expensive system not to mention the cost of power to fire all this up.So there must be more to it.
So guys,if you had the dollars to put into a higher end system,would you.And would you then say its all good ??
Honest answers only.Please set the ego's aside.
I'm trying to learn
Thank you
So,I think by Jax2 and Mapmans reply that it takes a very large investment to achieve high end performance and some either just cant afford the cost or are not into the music that much.If this is true then why cant you boys just say that.Why do some still say they have high end systems if you need something better to make it truly high end.Or is this like having a faster car gets confused with having a better car ?
Mr.Schroeder,When you say let the experienced help.It reminds me of my boyfriend buying these big round cylinders because his experienced stereo dealer told him it would improve the bass.It didn't happen.He now tells me he needs sub woofers.
Can audio dealers be trusted.
As for gear,its analog that thrills me,digital chills me.
Did you build the room just for your listening pleasure??
DC Step>Dave,thank you for your help.
Mr.Porter> I sincerely hope I didn't put you on the spot when I first mentioned your informative post.
I should apologize to my dad.Because I didn't hear difference's I thought that he may have deceived himself by wanting to hear a difference.Well your system certainly exceeds my present budget but it is good to know that in selecting the correct equipment one can still enjoy its sound after 20 years.
As a 24 year old I may be a little late coming to this hobby
but I have a passion for the arts,especially music and I am about to take the plunge.I hope I can count on all you sincere,knowledgable,nonegoist people for help and support.
I thank you all
Mr.Schroeder,Thank you for sharing your knowledge,patience and wisdom with me.I sincerely hope you enjoy all you have accomplished.Speaking with you has humbled me.
Jax2,Thank you.I may do just that.Going to shows should be fun.I mentioned to my dad that I joined Audiogon.He asked me not to embarrass him.He doesnt have my user name but he will figure it out soon enough.Growing up he would allow me to sit and listen with him.When his buddies came hear to listen and i entered the room most times he would ask me to leave if I didn't respond he would say i told you to leave,now go girl
Hence the name.
I had no idea that there are so many audio people with knowledge that will take the time to help a novice.I thank you all again
Jax2,I should have been clearer in my last post.This is all about 12 years ago.My dad told me that wanted me to leave the room because of all the cigarette smoke.In later years he did admit that do to my inquisitive nature,I would always be asking questions about the Artist and disturbed the other listeners.
Now this brings me to Zigonht's post.Being you have made zero contributions to this forum,why complain.
I will try to get you involved.
Zigonht I looked at your system what END would you say your at?
Shadorne,Your humor is lost on me.My hair dryer is a Chi but possibly your dryer blows more hot air.
Zigonht,If this hobby allows one to spend enjoyable time with children then the hobby itself is HIGH END.
As Albert Porter so eloquently stated in his contribution to this thread.The only true perfect music is his son.Enjoy your time with your children,they will always remember it.
Audiofeil,"Avoid all the static here".After reading many of these Forums I should heed your advice.
Doug_Schroeder,Perfectly explained.Thank you.You do mention that in some systems it wont be heard at all.How does one know what should be heard if they haven't heard it before.
My Dad is forever changing cables.With each new purchase he exclaims "this is so much better."Frankly I heard little or no differences with these changes.He told me its because i dont know how to listen.My question is does a music lover also need a trained ear to hear differences or when it comes to high end is it obvious?