Where does "MidFi" differ from "HiFi" or "LOFI"?


Given the vast range of product and costs thereof in this industry, I'm curious where the "break points" are between levels of fidelity?   Equipment can range from $100's to $100,000s+, so where is "MIDFI" vs. "HIFI"?

The ear hears from a range of 20-20,000HZ, but mid-range is certainly not at the 10,000HZ level. 

just curious what you all think.

johnweiss

The other thing is the labels change very quickly, a "high end" dac from 5 years ago can often be thrashed by a more recent "midfi dac" from today. 

I like the term Thomas uses in this video about high end dacs vs the new affordable dacs that are, "good enough" which sums it up:

 

the diference is not related just to price

but rather design intent and execution

 

low fi is generally related to companies using inexpensive parts and lacking a dedication to sound quality usually sold based on features/measurements

 

midfi companys's pursue sound quality over just cost usually uses better parts then low fi

highfi companys'devoted to sound quality over anything else

 

Dave andTroy

audio intellect NJ

that video was laughably bad

 

a dacs sound quality is much more impacted on the dacs analog stage then the chip set