Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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!

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.

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.

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.

I've had my fill of arrogant Hi-Fi sales people who reside in many high end stereo shops. I, for one (and I'm sure I'm not only in this matter) do not enjoy being insulted and talked down to by these insecure jerks. I'm amazed these people are are able sell anything? As Someone interested in upgrading my stereo system into the lower high end and not being an electronics techno-geek, I was delighted to find a book such as this. Harley's book is an easy to understand guide to the basics of Hi-Fi. What a relief to read a book about Hi-Fi written by someone more interested in music then the techno-jargon so many audiophiles and Hi-Fi sales people seem to speak. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Hi-Fi but were afraid to ask or don't know the right questions to ask when looking to buy equipment.

This book was a great reference point for challenging my ears to become better listeners. While I was reading I could feel my ears changing as I was listening to music over the course of the two weeks it took me to finish this book. The book is very descriptive about components and the right way to go about getting them. They make it easy to understand why you don't want 'filters' to make your music different from the way it was supposed to be received. I bought this book and halfway through it I bought a turntable, and towards the end of it I bought a preamplifier. I still need to buy a power-amp to replace the 'best-buy' model I have right now but my overall system is sounding great and I know why it is sounding great do the help from this book. Great book, easy read.

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

I found that chapter 12 answered my questions on room design for optimal acoustics, and speaker placement. If you would like to gain audiophile knowledge this is definitely the book for you.

The book is very informative, but can be used as guideline only.
I will take it as " Dummy for Audio system "

The author is very knowledgeable about audio and video systems. It is very helpful for people looking to buy an audio system. HIGHLY RECOMENDED!