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Title: The Complete Guide to High-End Audio by Robert Harley, Keith Jarrett ISBN: 0-9640849-4-5 Publisher: Acapella Pub Pub. Date: September, 1998 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $29.95 |
Average Customer Rating: 3.86 (22 reviews)
Rating: 4
Summary: excellent guide
Comment: Fist a disclaimer...I'm not an audio engineer or circuit designer. I'm also a relative newcomer to high-end audio--but am a long time music lover. This review is based on the 1995 edition of this book (I understand new ed is forthcoming). I felt the author did an exceptionally good job in structuring the book and writing to an appropriate level of reader. He describes what each component does, how it works, what to listen for when testing, etc...The initial chapters which are "stage setting" chapters, teminology, etc. are also very valuable. Lots of technical details are included, but they are in appendices so that someone who is interested, can go get the info there, while those less interested in that don't get bogged down in the detail. So, bottom line: this *has* to be a very difficult book to write--ie, author is writing to a very diverse readership in terms of audio expertise, etc. As one who is interested in high-end audio and in the process of upgrading a mid-range system to a true high-end system, I found this book invaluable. Well worth the $$ and time if you have even a passing interest in audio/music. Highly recommended.
Rating: 5
Summary: Best book of its type
Comment: If you are the type of person who has a "critical ear" and is interested in learning about what is the full spectrum of options available in buying and setting-up a high quality audio system, I highly recommend this book. It will prevent you from buying equipment that you may soon become dissatisfied with and in the long run, it will save you a lot of grief as well as money. The author makes a point to emphasize that "high end audio" refers to the quality of the component/system and not the cost. However, like most things in this world, you will find that the two are usually closely related.
The body of the book is not overly technical, however it does provide several appendices for those who wish to delve into the theory behind the concepts. It is also quite through and is intended for the reader who wishes to get into some depth on the subject. If your interest is only in a basic overview, I would suggest that you look elsewhere.
I have read the book thoroughly and still find myself referring back to it on many occasions. It is by far the best book on this subject that I have been able to locate and should be of value to those interested in home theater as well as two-channel audio.
Rating: 3
Summary: Almost
Comment: This book is:
Almost what the High-End Audio industry needs
It's important for me that a book be written on the advantages of high-end audio. It's the business I'm in and it is dear to me on a personal level. There are many excellent portions and handy information pieces scattered about the book and that's the good news.
I will refrain from personalizing my complaints and stick to the issues as I see them. To write this book as the author, you should know Ohm's Law. Harley does not. This is made evident in several examples. Amperes, voltage and wattage are all part of a greater equation that appears to mystify the author. The basic laws of physics and simple electrical concepts need be firmly grasped prior to making an endeavor such as this. There are many elements of "Dark Science" in the high-end audio realm and a mystique that is largely relevant. This book does a strong job of handling that delicate balance between science and myth, that is so important to this industry. Along the way however it forgets to "check the science"
That's too bad, but not a total loss...
A serious explanation of negative feedback as used in power amplifiers would have been pretty easy to put down for the record. Most power amp manufactures have fascinating solutions to the problems associated with negative feedback. A breakdown of a few of the key developments in this area would have been excellent. An opportunity missed. Instead he uses an example of a negative feedback amplifier and calls it just the opposite! At that point in the book I admit I was a bit frustrated.
The good parts are many!
It's an enjoyable read when the author sticks to what he actually knows, acoustics and auditioning gear. I learned much and felt the key points were illustrated clearly and in the contexts of meaningful application. I am not saying "don't buy"
I guess I'm saying this book missed a huge opportunity simply by not getting some important parts right. That's all.
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Title: Home Theater For Everyone: A Practical Guide to Today's Home Entertainment Systems by Robert Harley, Tomlinson Holman ISBN: 0964084988 Publisher: Acapella Pub Pub. Date: June, 2002 List Price(USD): $19.95 |
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Title: Master Handbook of Acoustics by F. Alton Everest ISBN: 0071360972 Publisher: McGraw-Hill/TAB Electronics Pub. Date: 22 September, 2000 List Price(USD): $39.95 |
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Title: Home Theater for Dummies by Danny Briere, Pat Hurley ISBN: 0764518011 Publisher: For Dummies Pub. Date: 14 February, 2003 List Price(USD): $14.99 |
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Title: Audio/Video Cable Installer's Pocket Guide by Stephen H. Lampen ISBN: 0071386211 Publisher: McGraw-Hill Professional Pub. Date: 15 January, 2002 List Price(USD): $29.95 |
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Title: Practical Home Theater: A Guide to Video and Audio Systems by Mark Fleischmann ISBN: 0759664234 Publisher: 1stBooks Library Pub. Date: October, 2002 List Price(USD): $19.95 |
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