hifi

Hi-fi, short for high fidelity, refers to the reproduction of sound with accuracy and minimal unintended coloration or distortion, aiming to closely match the original recording. It is contrasted with lo-fi and with more consumer-oriented, portable audio that may emphasize convenience over faithful playback. The goal is faithful tonal balance, dynamics, and a sense of space.

The concept arose in the mid-20th century as electronic components improved. The term hi-fi became common in marketing and consumer culture as stereo sound, vinyl records, and later reel-to-reel and compact discs offered richer, more accurate playback. The so‑called golden age of hi-fi spans roughly from the 1950s through the 1970s, with ongoing evolution driven by advances in analog and digital technology, loudspeaker design, and room acoustics.

A typical hi-fi system comprises a source, a signal path, amplification, and loudspeakers or headphones. Common components include turntables with phono stages, CD players or digital streams, DACs, preamplifiers, power amplifiers or integrated amps, and loudspeakers. Analog and digital sources may be combined, and room acoustics, speaker placement, and cabling can influence perceived performance. Users often audition equipment to assess timbre, imaging, and dynamic range.

Performance is described by measures such as frequency response, distortion, signal-to-noise ratio, dynamic range, and stereo separation. Common consumer targets emphasize a flat or natural tonal balance, low distortion, and reliable reproduction across the audible spectrum. Hi-fi culture emphasizes critical listening, installation, and alignment of components to achieve faithful playback, with a market that spans budget, vintage, and high-end configurations.