2. misc-audio
  3. 195390-3130

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

 There are terms we in this hobby use to describe certain characteristics of the components or sound evoked...Without fail,the terms entry level,mid-fi & high end will show up in component reviews or conversations regarding equipment components...
 So exactly how do we define these terms in absolutes?I understand there are components that,in this day & age,outperform their asking price in orders of magnitude but even if they do,they will invariably be tagged as entry level,mid-fi or high end simply based on their asking price..
 Assuming entry level starts at say $500.00 per component,where does that end & mid-fi start,$2500.00 per component,$3500.00,$4500.00,$5000.00?
 How far does that pricing structure go until you consider a component to be "high end"?
What are YOUR PERSONAL thoughts on this subject?

freediver

Showing 1 response by timlub

timlub
2,045 posts
 

I've always thought of it more as in brands rather than price..... I am going to date myself pretty quickly with the brands, but none the less, everyone will get it.  

Denon, NAD, Yamaha,  entry level audiophile.  and occasionally, each brand would step into midfi.  

Adcom, Sumo, maybe a Hafler bridged into midfi.... 

Conrad Johnson, Threshold, Audio Research started High End....

Of course none of this is absolute Today, Brands like Schiit, go entry level and tip toe into mid as do others, but in general brands do target this way.  

As product improves,  there are some entry level priced products that are very good. There is more blurring and a ton of opinion, but when is that not the case in this hobby. 

More to discover