- ISBN13: 9780978649302
- Condition: NEW
- Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
Product Description
How to choose, set up, and enjoy the latest high-technology audio systems are all given expert insight in this indispensable guide for stereo shoppers. Consumers today often use home-audio systems for both stereo music and surround-sound music, they buy multichannel systems instead of two-channel stereo systems, they may have HDTV and flat-panel televisions, and they have largely moved to in-wall and on-wall loudspeakers rather than floorstanding units. Questions … More >>
Introductory Guide to High-Performance Audio Systems: Stereo – Surround Sound – Home Theater
Tags: channel stereo, expert insight, flat panel televisions, indispensable guide, introductory guide, loudspeakers, multichannel systems, sound music, stereo music, stereo systems
#1 by kwd on June 29, 2010 - 8:23 pm
I got Harleys’ “Complete Guide to High End Audio” before the “Intro Guide to High Perform…” although I ordered the “Intro” first. Wasn’t to arrive for a couple of months so I couldn’t wait to find things out & got the earlier “Complete…” Confused? Well, anyway this newest is basically a condensed version of the ‘Complete”. So if you have it you really don’t need this. If not this work is going to get you all the high points and teachings of the other. Either way one or the other will get you started understanding the complexities of sound. Very useful & helpful info!
Rating: 4 / 5
#2 by Dan Redler on June 29, 2010 - 9:05 pm
The author does a very credible job at covering the universe of high-end audio. It’s a very good companion to the first book which was geared towards experienced audiophiles. This book is designed to be more of an introductory ‘course’ to music lovers who may not yet be ‘hooked’ on the joys and frustrations that come with the hobby but it does include sufficient new or different thoughts and comments so as to appeal to more experienced audiophiles as well. Whether you start with this volume or Harley’s first and more in-depth book, if you love music and have not experienced high-end audio – get one of the books, read it – get some great stereo gear (and the books guide you in how to choose)and dive into your favorite recordings. You’ll discover great new sounds you may not have ever heard before.
Rating: 4 / 5
#3 by THXTHEATER on June 29, 2010 - 9:08 pm
I purchased this book primarily to give me a better overview of equipment so that I can make better-informed decisions on upgrading my 7.1 channel system that I also use for 2-channel music. I really liked the book. It was easy reading and went into some great detail about different types of equipment. The book doesn’t/won’t promote any particular brands. Rather, it emphasizes 1) What to look for 2) The types of pros and cons with different types of equipment 3) the critical importance of matching components throughout the sound chain and 4) that developing a good relationship with a high-end dealer and reading high-end magazine reviews are key.
I don’t have a lot of money to spend so I want to make sure that if/when I make any equipment purchases I do so wisely. I appreciated the section on used and demo equipment (along with the pitfalls) and also there’s a good section on your approach: buying a system all at once or upgrading one component at a time.
If you are into audio and want to learn more then this is a good, enjoyable text for you to own.
Rating: 4 / 5
#4 by Jonathan R. Amy on June 29, 2010 - 11:27 pm
This is a good basic book for someone who is interested in getting a broad view of stereo/audio equipment. For somebody like me, who has not kept up with audiophile equipment for 20 years, it was a good book. There is more detail than I need , but that’s good–I am sure I will go back to it.
Rating: 5 / 5
#5 by Pär Rahm on June 29, 2010 - 11:40 pm
It’s a good book to start with. Gives you a broad picture of almost every aspects of High End Audio. Functional descriptions as well as advices for how to set up a very professional and good sounding system
Rating: 4 / 5