Helo Freediver! The terms used to define quality levels are of use to advertisers only. They don't deserve to be uttered by music lovers and gear enthusiasts. Companies like Adcom, Cambridge, NAD, Outlaw, Schitt, Starke Sound, and others have demonstraited that good sounding gear does NOT have to be astronomically priced. High quality parts are not cheap, but fancy, sculpted, extra thick front panels are much more dear. There is an artistic turn of mind, encouraged by the marketing department, for eye-catching products that look expensive (and are) so those with ample funds will have something to satisfy their need to feel superior to others.
Great sounding components of a music system do not have to be expensive. You can put together a fine sounding system for $5,000 if you are careful. Read the reviews with caution. If the reviewer says, "I bought the sample product after reviewing it," or "I could happily live with this unit in my system forever," that means it's a good piece of gear. If they say, "If you are looking for product in this price range, you should consider this one," that means it is ho-hum, keep looking. Reviews sell magazines; that's the publishing business. They need something to write about. You don't see the poor reviews in the magazines. Think clearly, listen and read carefully, and be sure you can return anything you buy within 39 deays for a full refund. Listen to it first if you can. You own your ears, no two people hear the same thing (our ears are shaped differently), make your own decisions. Enjoy the music.