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

@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!

@jasonbourne52 , I really liked that video too, i made me consider ordering an iFi dac out of curiosity. I have experienced the difference in going from a receiver to separates, huge benefit. I have experienced going from an untreated room with speakers adequately placed to being in a well treated room with speakers at the precise placement per dolby specs, huge upgrade. Power, cables, and source upgrades have been incremental. I know better performance is out there, the sad thing is no matter how much money you spend, it still isn’t a live performance and there is ALWAYS going to be better gear available in the future. Through exchanges on this forum I find many of the people who have achieved what they wanted did it through meticulous attention to every detail of their system, not necessarily an all out assault on high ticket items. The DIY experts here will likely blow away what is available in a lot of stores (see @phusis), but not many people have that same passion to build. Its funny because DIY and "high end" seem like at two ends of the spectrum.

There is another channel where the host reviews what I consider to be luxury items which is interesting as he compares a lot of the gear that is priced among the top 20% of the industry. If you watch this video use headphones: