interesting, if ultimately unsolvable question. in the auto world, lines are cleanly drawn on the basis of cost; thus a $15k Toyota Corrola would be considered entry-level (lo-fi), the $33k Avalon would be mid-fi and the $70k Lexus LS would be hi-fi (the six-figure Lamborghettis would thus be super-duper, ultra hi-fi). Because a car's performance, accoutrements and other quantifiable attributes are generally proportionate to its price, this a logical delineation. In audio, however, the delineations are much more ephemeral--i.e. the differences between a $1k preamp and a $10k preamp aren't always so obvious. Similarly, the prices of audio equipment can reach such astronomical heights that gear generally regarded as "hi-fi" (e.g. mcintosh or bryston) might be classified as "mid-fi" if only price was considered. ergo, it would seem that any objective standard for classifying audio would have to take into account not just price, but reputation, measured performance, retention of value and a dollop of snake oil.
