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??? 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
fthompson251's avatar
fthompson251
612 posts
 

I don't think it really can classed by MSRP but more by the results obtained. With careful system development and paying attention to everything and how it all works together you can achieve astonishing results. Begin with the end in mind. *Steven Covey 

awise1961's avatar
awise1961
138 posts
 

If it's built to meet a price point, it's low to mid fi.

If it's built to a cost is no object position, it high end.

secretguy
1,861 posts
 
toddalin

468 posts

 

"Where Does High End Start???"

...Just above what you can afford.

Best answer!

 

bjesien
1,413 posts
 

What if I identify as HEA?

mapman's avatar
mapman
22,981 posts
 

I can offer 3 system cost data points based on my current gear for consideration:

  • in a 12X12 room:  ~ 5k
  • in a larger 20X30 L shaped  room:  ~9K  (larger speakers with good build quality)
  • in a very large open concept-layout family room sacrificing the lowest bass octave: ~7 k 

Cost is retail price, in 2024 dollars, streamer source, amplification, speakers only.

Note: I am no compromise in sound quality but very value oriented when making buying decisions, so I would say my costs are more representative of the "entry point" for true "high end sound" though I can think of ways to achieve similar results for less with just a touch of compromise regarding the lowest octaves perhaps, and/or going used.

I’d like to see similar data points from others in order to help folks reach a valid conclusion based on actual data points.

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