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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
unsound
7,394 posts
 

Count me as another in agreement here with @audiotroy on this one.

westcoastaudiophile
546 posts
 

If cost of shiny gears is the key metric, then why live, presumably all acoustic, performance, at $0 cost, beats any sound system in terms of SQ? LOL

Being audiophile is not the end point, it is a scenic drive, and enjoying every detail along! Cost of the car is less important, than the road! 

eldragon
708 posts
 

It is merely a marketing ploy. Whether you're listening to a million-dollar system or a transistor radio, you may still appreciate the music in the same way. The more money you spend on electronics, the more the electronics will take center stage and the less fun you will have. Just my two cents.

kerrybh
425 posts
 

@eldragon  my experience has been a little different. Not trying to be disagreeable because we all have different perspectives and mine is certainly no better than yours. I certainly agree that we can all enjoy great music, regardless of the equipment we use, no argument at all. As I have upgraded my equipment, in almost every case the music sounds better and I enjoy it more. Again, that’s  just how it’s worked for me

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