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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
bimmerlover's avatar
bimmerlover
82 posts
 

@knock1 not when everyone has their own definitions; then it's meaningless. 

mahler123
3,650 posts
 

There are people who are going to post that HE is a state of mind, that champagne results can be obtained on beer budgets.  However a lot of dosh is spent on this hobby and it is useful to have parameters for discussion.

  The AI definition is reasonable.  Every one that I know in real life would not dream of spending that much

ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62
3,429 posts
 

I don't think you can qualify it by price alone. There are 1K tube amps I would rather have in my system than 3K HT receivers. Some mid fi stuff costs more than quality entry level hi fi gear. And when you shop on the used market, that price disparity can become greater.

fthompson251's avatar
fthompson251
612 posts
 

I don't think it really can classed by MSRP but more by the results obtained. With careful system development and paying attention to everything and how it all works together you can achieve astonishing results. Begin with the end in mind. *Steven Covey 

awise1961's avatar
awise1961
137 posts
 

If it's built to meet a price point, it's low to mid fi.

If it's built to a cost is no object position, it high end.

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