The ultimate electronics in high-end audio refers to the goal of trying to achieve the highest fidelity (i.e. highest performance) possible in reproducing music. High-end is often mistakenly assumed to mean high-priced equipment - it does not refer to price.

In its correct usage, high end audio and video (AV) refers to the very high quality performance of hi-fi equipment. And yes some of these ultimate electronics (high fidelity audio products) are extremely pricey.

High-end audio aims to be as transparent as possible, with the focus on the direct signal path, with no unnecessary or elaborate features which could distort the sound quality.The ultimate goal of high-end audio is to reach the stage where the equipment seems to have disappeared and all you are left with is the optimum-pleasurable-emotional-music-experience.

High end audio can be appreciated by anyone who enjoys music and wants it reproduced in the highest fidelity possible.

High-end audio products can range in price from very affordable ($1500) to the stratosphere ($100000+).

Guess what?

Even though some audio equipment are considered extremely expensive, by us average taxpayers, there are many expensive audio electronic equipment that are actually considered to be real bargains. (Yea, this has something to do with our individual money blueprint).

Some of the factors that contribute to the so-called high cost are:

• extensive research and development involved,
• many are designed and hand-built by skilled craftspersons (more a labour-of-love),
• the emphasis is on designing and building the best sound quality not on mass-market economics,
• equipment backed by outstanding customer service and warranties (some with lifetime warranties),
• the best materials and metals are used (some of which are extremely expensive to attain or develop) and
• to a certain extent exclusivity (you do want bragging rights with it, don't you?) (example Musical Fidelity's ($30,000+) 1KW Titan amplifiers of which only 50 pieces will be built)

For many of us, our individual goal is usually to see where on the price scale we can best afford to be. From there we can later upgrade our hi-fi equipment, either through a complete, or an incremental, purchase.

Remember, for high-end audio...

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