How is Mid Fi defined?

Oakleys

This forum is AUDIOgon, not MUSICgon or ARTgon so I think its OK to talk about audio.

How we value or appreciate audio vs. music is a well worn debate in other threads.

Since you mentioned money, I might add that yes, there is money at stake here, but usually only when people are willing to shamelessly market mid fi or low fi, as hi fi.

So mid fi is not an expression which is "useful for marketing purposes" it is a pejorative expression invented by audiophiles who know better and seek to educate others about our hobby.

This is yet another reason it is important to define and discuss "mid fi".

Were you able to buy it for 3 Kellogs Frosted Flakes box tops and $10?

Well…. Have no fear…. That’s not MID FI.

6 boxtops… and $50…. Now we’re onto something.

If you’ve paid enough for it to have bought a very nice new import vehicle instead… it’s not MID Fi…. Unless you’ve mismatched all the components badly.

MID FI looking back down from an Ultra Fi view point is another way to see things as well… a $30K retail system then could be thought of as mid to low fi… if only $$$ are the parameters.

As was said… MID FI is what other’s own… not us… regardless what it is or what it cost us, perhaps.

I don't care if it has tone controls, or the speaker wires are hard wired to the unit or the speakers themselves.... …

if you have to actually think for a good while about buying it… Discuss it with your spouse, Cash in on your 401K, Scheme up a way to rob an armored truck, or take out a loan or save for some decent amount of time… you sure ain’t going to think it’s MID FI no matter what!

...and if you have a 50 inch or larger plasma outfitted witha Bose soudn system... well... I guarantee those folks don't feel their rig is MID FI at all!

I know... most of my friends have exactly that!

'This forum is AUDIOgon, not MUSICgon or ARTgon so I think its OK to talk about audio.'

Could have fooled me with threads of burgers, bikes, cars,
watches, drink, cigars etc etc,lol.................

cwlondon..i agree, except i would add that money is involved every time someone spends it.

Also, I would suggest that in the context of the OT....high-fi "is a pejorative expression invented by audiophiles"

just saying.

it's hifi when your cables and speaker wires cost more than your speakers, amps or source. i can hear a difference. ha