@tmccarthy
No problem. I understand what you are saying.
Maybe my way of looking at the industry is a bit different. But I think it comes from lots of discussions with folks that are into high end audio.
In the world of audio, level one is consumer products… designed for non-discerning consumer, built with lots of features and functions to attract the attention of buyers. In general those are not discussed here because folks buying them are not interested enough in sound to be joining a forum on the subject.
The next level up are inexpensive (by high end audio standards) that are designed to sound good but cost as little as possible. These sound better than your average consumer product, but are designed around the best possible sound with inexpensive, parts, cases… etc. This would be what I would call budget high end gear. I guess I use the term to make sure it is obvious that there is big compromise in the construction and sound. I know a lot of audiophile and have for decades and i think this is a commonly used term. Or maybe entry level high end.
Up a level from there is or modestly priced high end equipment… the fit, finish improves as does sound. I’d probably put PS Audio in this category. Then mainstream audiophile stuff… meaning, outstanding sonic performance, fit & finish. all aspects crafted to an objective. Constructed to a price point, but very uncompromising. This includes companies like Conrad Johnson, Mark Levinson, MacIntosh, Audio Research. Typically these components in todays market go for $12 - $25K each. Volumes are still there with these components.
Finally there is the assault on what is possible were cost is no object, only sound and form. A number of companies have flagship components in this category, Wilson, MBS, Constellation, typically $> $50K per component.
Anyway. Maybe my language is a bit sloppy, but that is my take on the industry.
