I don't really think it's a marketing tool, because these terms are almost never used in advertising. Hifi was a marketing term back in the early days of solid state stereo. (I remember my 30-something parents proudly bringing home a walnut cabinet thing.) If it's used with derision now, it's probably in reference to that kind of product.
Low-fi and mid-fi are used by some to describe any equipment they regard as not as good as their own. Many of these same people tend to put great stock in the cost of gear, so it is indeed very much about price.
Basically, these terms mean nothing, except to warn you away from the kinds of people who use them.
Low-fi and mid-fi are used by some to describe any equipment they regard as not as good as their own. Many of these same people tend to put great stock in the cost of gear, so it is indeed very much about price.
Basically, these terms mean nothing, except to warn you away from the kinds of people who use them.