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What defines mid-fi versus high-end?

I’m in my mid fifties and I recall 30 years back mid-fi to me fell into the NAD, Adcom, B&K…. For high-end I considered Mac, some of the Counterpoint offerings, Cary…. so forth.  I had another post going where I mentioned I acquired an Onkyo  home theater receiver that retailed new for $1,100.   Yet another agoner responded that it does not rate as mid-fi.   We all have our opinions of course.   So right or wrong here.
How do you define the parameters of high-end versus mid-if?  By money range, by brand…?

 

pdspecl
bobpyle
64 posts
 

Does it matter what you or others call it? If you are entertained by and enjoy it...

The key is to get the best sound reproduction for YOU within your budget.

 

harrylavo's avatar
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harrylavo
346 posts
 

Answer: your income.  What you can afford is seen inevitably as the "low-end" of audiophilia.  The highest end is always to dream for, whether $5,000 or $500,000.  Does really high quality sound demand that?  No, not at all.  But human nature does.

unreceivedogma's avatar
unreceivedogma
979 posts
 

I thought I was omniscient, but frankly, this one has me stumped. 

pcrhkr's avatar
pcrhkr
276 posts
 

There are different levels if HI-FI.  I guess it is difficult question. Everyone's ears are different, tastes are different. I would define HI Fi as being pure sounding music with a full bodied spectrum of sound and dynamics. Not a bose wave radio though they sound good.  After you reach a certain dollar level you have to pay out much more $$$$$$$ to reach the next level. You get to the point where for me I get very happy and do not need to upgrade for a few decades. Spending money on HI Fi is not a hobby for me. Enjoying a great sounding system is a joy in life and a blessing.

andy2
1,549 posts
 

If it is sold at the Best Buy, then it is probably mid fi.

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