High-end amplifier clarification?


At what point do you consider an amplifier high-end? And, why? What is a good example of a non-high end amp that just misses being high-end? Also, what is an example of an amplifier that just makes it into your high-end rankings?
ska_man
How long is a piece of string? I really beleive it comes down to a relativity answer. To some it is a Marantz, to other is its FM Acoustics. I think it is one that is bought at a good stereo store not at Best Buy. One that has a price tag that is just at the crest of your budget.
For me it is "brand X' that is in my system. I omit the brand to avoid the criticism that usually occompanies the mere mention of the brand. Buy what trips your trigger.
If it has an 8-track player attached to it, it's not high end.

General rule of thumb.
If I correctly understood the link that Kijanki so kindly provided, the$650K/pr. Pivetta mono amps provide 20,000 WPC. This is just a bit over $30 per watt/ch. I'm not sure that this is costly enough to qualify as true "high end". Many a bargain priced 100 WPC amp (equivalent pricing is +/- $3200) would be denied admission to the purist high end club - so I don't know why the Pivetta gets a free ride.

So, Kijanki, maybe not ALL the amps on that list ;-).

Marty