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Entry level audio, just what is it?

eljr said:
LOL, slow down, Cowboy.

I see no "esoteric" posts here.

Fact is, you are wrong.

entry level defined: "(of a product) suitable for a beginner or first-time user; basic."

hence, saying it's the opening price point in whatever someone is sell" is not correct, many companies do not sell entry level items.

and also, you can take the whole "no matter what people perceive them to be" too far.

Consider quantum theory.

A strict objectivist will allow for what he does not understand. He does not talk in absolutes.

Something to think about.
Click to expand...


Nice try. We are not talking quantum theory, we are talking about retail terms as seen through the fuzzy lens of audiophile interpretation.
 
Just for reference

Dictionary
en·try-lev·el
ˈentrēˌlevəl/
adjective
adjective: entry-level
at the lowest level in an employment hierarchy.
"he was hired as an entry-level research assistant"
(of a product) suitable for a beginner or first-time user; basic.
"entry-level computers"
synonyms: introductory, elementary, basic, first, starter, junior
"entry-level management"
 
Hyfi said:
Wait up a sec....

Here is one of the Entry Level (lowest price point in MFG offerings) items from TEAC that costs $372
HR-S101-SC_Angled_R640x320_1024x1024.png


And here is the "Esoteric" level of TEAC that costs $20K
main.jpg
Click to expand...


And? Each item shown is the Opening Price Point for a product line in a manufacturers portfolio of products.

GM for example has Chevy which has cars from around $13K (Spark) which is an entry level Chevy. GM also has the Buick division's cheapest car, the Verano costs around $22K which is an entry level Buick......

Its not that hard to understand really.
 
Hyfi said:
Just for reference

Dictionary
en·try-lev·el
ˈentrēˌlevəl/
adjective
adjective: entry-level
at the lowest level in an employment hierarchy.
"he was hired as an entry-level research assistant"
(of a product) suitable for a beginner or first-time user; basic.
"entry-level computers"
synonyms: introductory, elementary, basic, first, starter, junior
"entry-level management"
Click to expand...

But we are talking about retail items sold in a retail setting, not jobs.
 
Hyfi said:
Just for reference

Dictionary
en·try-lev·el
ˈentrēˌlevəl/
adjective
adjective: entry-level
at the lowest level in an employment hierarchy.
"he was hired as an entry-level research assistant"
(of a product) suitable for a beginner or first-time user; basic.
"entry-level computers"
synonyms: introductory, elementary, basic, first, starter, junior
"entry-level management"
Click to expand...

I already quoted part of that for him, it did not help.

He subjectively insists his definition trumps that of others or recognized common usage as the dictionary offers.

but the strange thing is, he insists he is objective. :dunno:
 
Bodyblue said:
And? Each item shown is the Opening Price Point for a product line in a manufacturers portfolio of products.

Its not that hard to understand really.
Click to expand...

Not really, Esoteric is the top end of the lineup for TEAC....same company but different levels of performance.
 
In any hobby or pursuit, an "entry level system" is one for which you're happy to spend enough to get started, but you don't feel you've spent too much if you don't stick with it.

For some, an "entry level" audio system means a cheap all-in-one bought at a supermarket. For others, it means a top-notch audiophile system. In other words, "entry level" depends on you, not the system.
 
Entry level for me is HiFi on a budget, the least expensive of a given line or category of HiFi. Not necessarily cheap. Entry being the beginning of the category.
 
I don't think labels add much value. Who cares what labels someone else applies your your stuff?

Buy the best equipment that your budget can accommodate with some margin and enjoy it.

As far as vintage equipment is concerned, some of the equipment from the low end of the market sounds great.

Buying used is a great way to go up-market for no extra expense.

You can trade your time for money, if funds are really tight, by trolling thrift stores/yard sales/etc.
Tremendous bargains can still be had if you are willing to work for them.
 
I was listening to a George Pelecanos story on audiobook yesterday set in the '70's. In the story the brother works at a HIFI store. The main character and his brother are picking up some weed. While there the guy had on his Sound Design system with 'it's all highs and no bass' as it's quoted in the story.

I think back then if you grew up in the era, it was understood, once it was figured out, that Sound Design wasn't HIFI, but got people who didn't care enough for sound to get as close as they wanted to be. I think today the lines are a little more blurred, unless we're talking a Crosley record player.
 
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