As an audio enthusiast, there are few things more grating to the senses than the term “entry level.” It’s a phrase that’s thrown around casually, often by those who consider themselves seasoned veterans in the realm of high-fidelity audio. But for those of us who truly appreciate sound quality and the nuances of audio reproduction, “entry level” is not just a label; it’s a disservice to the many brands that made / make very solid equipment affordable by many.

Let’s dissect this term, shall we? “Entry level” suggests a starting point, a beginner’s foothold into the world of audiophilia. But herein lies the problem: it implies that anything below a certain price point or specification is somehow inferior or inadequate. It perpetuates the idea that one must graduate from this entry level to truly experience the pinnacle of audio nirvana.

But the reality is far more complex. True audio enthusiasts understand that quality doesn’t always correlate with price tags or technical specifications. It’s about the experience, the emotion that a piece of music evokes, the goosebumps that ripple across your skin when you hear your favorite song played with clarity and depth. And that experience can be achieved with equipment that some might dismiss as “entry level.”

Moreover, the term “entry level” can be exclusionary and elitist. It erects barriers to entry, making newcomers feel inadequate or unwelcome in a community that should be about sharing the joy of music, not flaunting expensive gear. It fosters a culture of one-upmanship, where enthusiasts compete to see who can amass the most expensive audio setup rather than focusing on the music itself.

But perhaps most infuriatingly, “entry level” undermines the value of budget-friendly audio equipment. It suggests that affordability equates to compromise, that cheaper products are somehow inherently inferior. In reality, there are plenty of budget-friendly options that punch well above their weight class, delivering exceptional sound quality without breaking the bank. Take for instance, Wharfedale. Their Diamond series is universally known for its budget friendly exceptional sound that punch substantially above their pay grade. Can you get their Elysian series, sure if you have 8k a pair for bookshelves. By dismissing these products as “entry level,” we do a disservice to both consumers and manufacturers who are working tirelessly to democratize high-quality audio.

So, what’s the solution? It’s time to retire the term “entry level” from our lexicon and instead focus on what truly matters: the music. Let’s scrap this obnoxious term “entry level” because its only real use is to disparage equipment and or the listener who does not have the pocket deep enough to shell out the equivalent of a good used Rolls Royce for a set of damn bookshelf speakers, as if they can not possibly enjoy their music on such inferior equipment… I would bet that used Rolls Royce that the fella with the “entry level” gear is actually enjoying it more than the one making sure to label that gear as “entry level”… C’mon… Stop it…