2018 exactly what is ‘High End’ audio?


Hello Sports fans!

Is everything listed on these pages actually high end audio? Are all the narratives, reviews, ads, discussions, etc., all about high end home audio?

Or is there a point wherein High End audio leaves the pack behind?

We throw the term “High End” around HERE so often YET WITHOUT ANY TRUE CLARIFICATION OR DEFINITIVE PARAMETERS BEING OUTLINED, I thought I’d see if there was an actual consensus as to what it means to the student body, alumni, and faculty on this forum.

Plenty of terms abound in audio which declare a particular piece or system deserves a lofty or loftier perch on the audio tree. State of the Art. Hi fi. Upper tier. Custon. Cottage industry at its finest. Handmade. High def. High Resolution. Ultra fi. Magnum Opus. Ground breaking. If Best Buy does not sell it. Destination. Signature. Statement. Threshold of diminishing returns. Leading edge. If you can’t buy it at the mall. Bleeding Edge. UNOBTAINIUM. Cantaffordium. If you have to ask how much it is…. If its not a four letter word beginning with B and ending with OSE.

As the very nature of this past time is entirely subjective, where do you believe ‘High End’ Audio begins or should begin?

In broad strokes and your own opinion as to where exactly High end home audio gear can be without question called or referred to as truly “High End.

Price is an obvious indicator for many albeit, price too is subjective.

At the end of the day, how do you decide who is or who is not, in the club?

Thanks all

blindjim
@williewonka   Amen!   Just enjoy the hobby and mostly the Music! It's pure and it heals!
@geoffkait > Bingo

Blindjim > PWB & experience?

one day I’m almost certain you will be the primary reason for my next heart attacxk. It will occur the exact moment you actually begin making good sense.
BTW TWWBMBTYWHPOOA.
. . . . . .. . .


@ghosthouse > Sorry. No interest in "clubs".

Blindjim > Tanks.

If its gonna be about semantics….
what do you call this forum but just another name for a club?
You did join it. Ala membership.
You attend regularly.
You sign in with a secret password.
You’ve been in it a long time.
You abide by its rules and regulations.
You continue to return to it.
Its obviously a source of entertainment or interaction.you are committed to.
You regularly contribute.
I am curious now, how do you define ‘club’?
. . . . . . .


randy-11 > alternatively, high end audio is when people think they get very high SQ from spending a lot of money for something

blindjim > thanks.
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Fascinating.

I would be willing to wager someone without any experience, but with a lot of money would do exceedingly well in this ‘club’ or ‘sport’ or past time’ or hobby’, or interest’, or concern’, . or endeavor’, or exercise’, or, well, use the term you like the most except High End Audio. No one here seems to be able to define that one very well at all.



blindjim OP
@geoffkait > Bingo

Blindjim > PWB & experience?

one day I’m almost certain you will be the primary reason for my next heart attacxk. It will occur the exact moment you actually begin making good sense.
BTW TWWBMBTYWHPOOA.

>>>>>A wink is as good as a nod to a blind horse. 🤠
Get past the snobbery--high end is about reproducing recordings (hopefully) without note smearing, with accurate instrument tonality, and the qualities related to rhythm and tunefulness.  Everybody can't have the 'last word'. Forget brand heritage.  If the component helps recreate the musical event to communicate the expressive intent of the artist in such a way as to bring pleasure to the listener, call it high end.