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

The other day I was wondering "what are the properties of an audio system that make it 'High End'".

I don't think it is a matter of price, though there is some floor.  For example an Eversolo DMP A8 and a carefully chosen pair of Dynaudio Active speakers probably gives one some of the qualities that we value for $5k.

For me the to critical qualities are timbre/tonality - does it sound right, resolution - can you hear into the performance and can you hear the the music in the very quiet passages.  Do you hear the "performance", the shape of the notes, the harmonics, the decays, the subtle changes in loudness?

A high end system will also have a clear soundstage, a clear sense of where the instruments & performers are.

I have two systems, the 2nd system cost perhaps 8k, and makes wonderful music, the primary system makes the music more complete, and the sense of being at the performance much greater - albeit at over 10x the cost.

I have a very musical friend who will have nothing to do with "high end", he listens to his "hi-fi" all the time, but I do not find it a satisfying experience, there is no sense of the performance.

Absolute? The point at which your significant other gets really p*ssed at your most recent purchase.

+1 @gruvjet 

Stop making sense… it confuses them…

A better questions would be, how much one is willing to shed for Hifidality Audio reproduction? Hifidelity audio, or Hi-Fi, refers to the high-quality reproduction of sound. It aims to recreate the original recording as accurately as possible, with minimal noise and distortion, and a faithful representation of the full range of audible frequencies. It’s a term popular with audiophiles and home audio enthusiasts who appreciate a detailed, immersive, and emotionally engaging listening experience

Based on your listening habits, you can decided the price point where you are satisfied with the music you are hearing. Does it really matter how much you spend to get that sound quality? I don't think so. All other categories from entry level to low-fi, mid-fi, etc., are irrelevant. Amount one can spend on this hobby will depend on many factors. What matters is whether your audio system reproduce Hi-Fi music to your satisfaction at whatever price point you are comfortable.

If Audio Nirvana is 100% then I’d say high end gets you to 94-100, mid is between 85-93 and entry level is below 85.