Where Does "High End" Start? Like @wsrrsw mentioned, it's a state of mind, but it might start at the point where you consider yourself an Audiophile and realize a whole other world of audio equipment. I don't remember the term High-End used growing up. It's when I learned that shops like Victor's Stereo, Paul Heath, Audio Consultants, and Quintessence Audio existed beyond Pacific Stereo, Playback, Musicraft, Midwest Hifi, and their ilk.
??? 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?