How is Mid Fi defined?

In fairness to this debate, "hi fi" may indeed be hi fi, but that is not alwyays a good thing.

So it should also be said that if your system sounds really good only with weirdo audiophile recordings, it is definitely hi fi.

If you find yourself not necessarily enjoying music, but sitting in your chair with a strained, contemplative look, while worrying about the cost benefit ratio of your latest upgrade, your system is definitely hi fi.

If you find yourself marveling at "inner detail", "resolution" or "transparency" in certain recordings, your system is probably hi fi.

If you think double blind tests are not relevant or fair, your system is surely hi fi.

If during normal operation a component has failed on several occasions, or created smoke or fire by itself, in a speaker or in your house, that is also definitely hi fi.

Enjoy,

HiFi - Is the music you enjoy along with whatever the basic sources are that allow enjoyment of the music regardless of cost.

MidFi and LowFi - Whatever you have in excess of what was necessary to enjoy the music regardless of cost.

The more in excess the more it classifies as LowFi in that you didn't need the excess after realizing that nothing or very little was gained.

...it cost less than your car.

...you wife doesn't ask why it has to cost so much and take up so much room.

...mp3's sound just fine.

...playing it has no noticeable effect on your electric bill

...you feel no need to upgrade anything.

...the speaker wires came with the equipment, and work fine.

...you wonder why these people on Audiogon argue about tubes, power cords, room treatments, sampling rates, and whether their systems are "mid" or "hi".

If you are just "getting by" or "putting up" with your crappy, low-cost $13,000 power cable then it is definitely mid-fi. Maybe low mid-fi.

HiFi is EVERYTHING reviewed in Stereophile and TAS.