??? Where Does "High End" Start ???

If we disregard all this expansive language, the goal for many of us is to reproduce the recorded music in such a manner as to be as accurate as possible to the source. The best approach to this goal is to choose DACs and amps that have the maximum measureable SINAD, IMD, etc., and speakers combined with room impacts that provide an ideal, measureable reproduction accuracy.

That’s why it is best to rely on professional measurement resources like Erin’s Audio Corner, Stereophile measurements, and Audio Science Review as a first blush for finding extraordinary audio components. We can also rely on them for calling into question all the silliness about cables, power conditioning, cable lifters, and related audiofoolery.

Then we get to real hi-end stuff, equipment that performs optimally regardless of cost or heritage.

I think it’s a tremendous service to the community to provide diligent measurements of gear that point to the most accurate reproduction capabilities! The additional angle that arises is, of course, how to effectively integrate those systems into rooms using DSP, room treatments, good speaker choices, REW, Dirac, and so forth.

That’s real hi-end stuff when you get to the point that you feel confident about your frequency response curves into Dirac from your calibrated microphone, the entire chain is sublime, and the sound is delicious!

The car comparison analogy is both useful and wrong. For hypercars there is a measurable difference between the 911 Turbo and the Lexus ES based on track performance, 0-60 mph, 0-100 kph, top speed, etc.

Many high-end audiophiles are averse to measurements of their gear in terms of SINAD, IMD, identification of actual value of cables, etc. They insist their "car" is performant because it costs a great deal and has a pretty case.

The truth in modern audio equipment is that measurements show that very cost-effective DACs and amps and speakers perform extremely well. This shows the flaws of the high-end car analogy. Until audiophiles start taking measurements seriously they will be victims of marketing in a way that no car aficionado would ever do!