What component is responsible for dynamics ?

Last two posts are not in order. Charles, I truly did think that. I concur with your definition. It's just vernacular.

Actually, I thought Hi-Fi sums up all other hi-end terminology.

To this "hi-fi" vs. "realistic" discussion. I agree that that is how most audiophiles use the terms. However, we should not equate "realistic" with "real" in this conversation. Much as I appreciate the very best high-end audio can do, it cannot and will not ever be mistaken for a live performance, even in a world class system set up correctly in a world class space - one could tell the difference instantly.

Learsfool, It has always been my use of the question of whether or not you can tell a piano heard through a wall is real or a recording. Perhaps I'm not quite there yet with the High Fidelity Cables, but I am much closer than I ever imagined was possible.

When I use the term realistic it's relative and assumed that it isn't identical to live, just closer to that preferred natural sound than hifi's unaturalness.