It seems today that most audio equipment is referred to loosely as ‘Hi-Fi, to the extent that in many cases people aren’t entirely sure what the term really means any more. Certainly it isn’t the case that any audio equipment is therefore by definition Hi-Fi, since the term itself refers to very specific criteria, and should only refer to the top end of the audio range. Although the term Hi-Fi is still used in this way, since the year 2000 this has been superseded by audiophiles by the phrase ‘high end audio’, but for most consumers the distinction is relatively unimportant, and many high street retailers and online stores keep to the more traditional hi-fi categories instead.

It’s important to know what to look for when shopping for either high end audio or hi-fi, since there are many gimmicks available which are not included, and many features that you will need to look for when considering investing a fair sum of money into something that should provide you with years of audio pleasure.  ShopSupermarket will review the hi-fi equipment available and provide a comparison of online UK stores and auction sites that offer a variety of suitable equipment.