Introductory Guide to High-Performance Audio Systems: Stereo - Surround Sound - Home Theater [Paperback]

Robert Harley (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2007

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 relating to all of these changes are covered in a novice-friendly way, as well as Super Audio CD, DVD-Audio formats, and all of the latest surround-sound formats for home theater. The emphasis is not only on solving shopping dilemmas, but also on getting great sound from an audio system.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Home Theater for Everyone is the best guidebook we've seen on the subject."  —The Oregonian

"This is one valuable book . . . I believe it to be the 'bible' for high-end audio."  —High-End Magazine

"This comprehensive, up-to-date coverage of audio fundamentals replaces several reference works as the best single text on high-end audio."  —Audio Amateur

About the Author

Robert Harley is the editor-in-chief of The Absolute Sound and The Perfect Vision magazines. He is the author of more than 800 product reviews and articles on audio technology and the author of The Complete Guide to High-End Audio and Home Theater for Everyone. He lives in Tijeras, New Mexico.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Acapella Publishing (April 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0978649303
• ISBN-13: 978-0978649302
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #106,233 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #50 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Physics > Acoustics & Sound

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Mini-Version, March 26, 2007

By 

kwd "silent soldier" (Ontario,Canada) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Introductory Guide to High-Performance Audio Systems: Stereo - Surround Sound - Home Theater (Paperback)

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!

13 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good starting point towards life as an audiophile., October 17, 2007

By 

Dan Redler (Los Angeles) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Introductory Guide to High-Performance Audio Systems: Stereo - Surround Sound - Home Theater (Paperback)

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.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Guide to audio purchase, November 13, 2009

By 

Jonathan R. Amy (Virginia) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Introductory Guide to High-Performance Audio Systems: Stereo - Surround Sound - Home Theater (Paperback)

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.