Hi fi, Mid fi. Who can say? Marketing defintions. I will say that the AVD and all the digital amplifiers represent a completely different topology that will only improve over time. I will also say that I like what I hear. For HT and moderate 2 channel listening I am very pleased. I would like to try the amp out on speakers that might be able to let it shine. I have run it 2 channel on a pair of Klipsch Hereseys and a pair of Hartley full rangers. These speaks are well suited to my SET amps, and shine with them. The Sony has given them a run for the money and does some things better. But female vocals still sound sweeter with the SETs. The AVD also draws much less juice than the other 'big budget' HTs I have set up. Over time, the bucks add up. My SETs I'll play for a few hours per week. The HT is on from 8 am to 11 pm 7 days a week b/w my wife, the kids, the nanny...
I actually forget what I paid at Oade ... but Oade has always given me the best price, without the haggle, and they stand behind what they sell. I highly recommend them for price and service.
TommyK