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??? Where Does "High End" Start ???

 There are terms we in this hobby use to describe certain characteristics of the components or sound evoked...Without fail,the terms entry level,mid-fi & high end will show up in component reviews or conversations regarding equipment components...
 So exactly how do we define these terms in absolutes?I understand there are components that,in this day & age,outperform their asking price in orders of magnitude but even if they do,they will invariably be tagged as entry level,mid-fi or high end simply based on their asking price..
 Assuming entry level starts at say $500.00 per component,where does that end & mid-fi start,$2500.00 per component,$3500.00,$4500.00,$5000.00?
 How far does that pricing structure go until you consider a component to be "high end"?
What are YOUR PERSONAL thoughts on this subject?

freediver
cleeds
6,275 posts
 
audiotroy

high end is not about price it is intention: if you are building components where features are more important then build quality not high end vs components where parts quality and sound quality are paramount you are high end 

+1. 

wsrrsw's avatar
wsrrsw
1,203 posts
 

“High end” isn’t midfi. Full stop.

High end is a state of mind. It’s what thrills you as your nirvana sound. It’s requires effort, time and money. To some a $200K system/room is unnecessary and/or is unthinkable and to some money isn’t the issue.. 

A Bugatti is high end auto in the uppermost price range. A ford Escape is a car in the lower price range. Both will get you around over to the in laws. Now just aplly that thinking to audio, watches, closing and everything. Whatever floats your boat. Toot. Toot. 

baylinor's avatar
baylinor
1,606 posts
 

When EVERYTHING matters.

dayglow
2,100 posts
 

I believe some of the responses are trying to simplify the meaning of a true High-End-Audio system(HEA). It is not just what one can afford or good enough for some, certain sonic parameters have to be meet. Since the OP wanted a price structure I will leave the subjective parameters for another thread.

bimmerlover's avatar
bimmerlover
82 posts
 

I don't understand people's need to put labels on everything. Or firm definitions.

"What is high end"?

"What is an audiophile"?

"What defines a 'high-performing' car?"

This list can go on and on...

I don't get why soliciting people's opinions, which invariably will be all over the place, further any conversation or provide any actionable knowledge or insight.

 

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