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

One area where it is EASY to go from lowfi to hifi on a beer budget is treating your room. Stick high end components in a bad room and they instantly sound like midfi or worse. In a good room, whatever gear you have has the opportunity to perform at its best. So, in order to GET true hifi your room must be acoustically excellent or why bother?

@kota1

On headphone systems.

Headphone systems are much less expensive to put together than main speaker systems. In general I fine about 1/10th the cost… obviously with lots of variation. I am not sure where I would make breaks on headphone systems. I should… I spent several years trying to get “magic” into my headphone system. I think, for me it was about $3K / component for audiophile… which to me kicks the bar up to more than great sound… but something that transcends just well executed… sound that is compelling and difficult not to pay attention to.

 

Actually, I ended up with my current system by starting by upgrading my headphone system to a really high level… so about $5K per component. It was so incredibly good that it put my main system to shame. while it had the limitations of headphones… it is simply stunning.

The performance of my headphone system got me working on my main system. I basically upgraded everything and went for all tubes. Incredibly well worth it… fortunately I was able to afford it.

@dayglow : "To create a true HEA system ... a sufficient amount of financial resources are needed." This is more moneyphile spin perpetuated by the TAS/Stereophile editors/reviewers. They have set up a class system of peons/aristocracy where only the rich can afford the best audio gear - similar to the automobile industry. The most costly gear becomes status signifiers, rather like a Porsche compared to a Toyota. 

@kota1 : thanks for the Thomas Utube video about the iFi DAC! He is correct that today’s design/production can deliver a product at reasonable cost that is practically indistinguishable from so-called "high end" DAC’s! This is good news for the budget- conscious in search of excellent SQ!