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

~ Robert Harley (Author)
4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
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Introductory Guide to High-Performance Audio Systems: Stereo - Surround Sound - Home Theater + The Complete Guide to High-End Audio + Home Theater for Everyone: A Practical Guide to Today's Home Entertainment Systems
Total List Price: $74.85
Price For All Three: $49.14

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Editorial Reviews

Review

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


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


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

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 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.
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Product Details

More About the Author

Robert Harley
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Introductory Guide to High-Performance Audio Systems: Stereo - Surround Sound - Home Theater
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Customer Reviews

9 Reviews
5 star:
 (2)
4 star:
 (6)
3 star:
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Average Customer Review
4.1 out of 5 stars (9 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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15 of 17 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
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!
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9 of 12 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)   
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.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars A fun read and a good introduction to high-end audio and equipment, June 5, 2009
By THXTHEATER "thxtheater" (Connecticut, United States) - See all my reviews
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.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Guide to audio purchase
This is a good basic book for someone who is interested in getting a broad view of stereo/audio equipment. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Jonathan R. Amy

4.0 out of 5 stars Pahm
It's a good book to start with. Gives you a broad picture of almost every aspects of High End Audio. Read more
Published 13 months ago by Pär Rahm

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book
The author is very knowledgeable about audio and video systems. It is very helpful for people looking to buy an audio system. HIGHLY RECOMENDED!
Published 18 months ago by Audio Worm

4.0 out of 5 stars High-Performance Audio Systems
I found that chapter 12 answered my questions on room design for optimal acoustics, and speaker placement. Read more
Published on January 27, 2008 by Bradley C. Brieman

3.0 out of 5 stars The book is good for used as guideline.
The book is very informative, but can be used as guideline only.
I will take it as " Dummy for Audio system "
Published on October 30, 2007 by Stanley K. So

4.0 out of 5 stars Introductory Guide to High-Proformance Audio Systems.
This is a very good book on explaning equipment options and definitions of new audio terms. However, quite redundent.
Published on June 12, 2007 by H. C. Pace, III

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