The Complete Guide to High-End Audio

Overview

“Before you make a mistake, buy Bob Harley’s book.” —Sam Tellig, Stereophile

In this newly updated directory, the latest in cutting-edge audio equipment is provided, including how to choose the best audio equipment on a budget, how to get the best sound for the money, and how to set up a system for maximum performance. Revised and expanded to include all the latest audio technologies, this book is packed with expert advice how to make speakers sound up to 50 percent better at no cost, avoid the most common system set-up mistakes, and how to choose the one speaker in 50 worth owning. Among the new topics covered are computer-based music servers, wireless streaming of audio, high-resolution digital audio, internet downloads, HD radio, Blu-ray Disc, and the new high-resolution surround-sound formats. A short course on listening-room acoustics is presented and additional information on audio for home theater, multichannel audio, system set-up secrets, and what each component's specifications and measurements mean is also provided.

Reviews

““Introductory Guide to High-Performance Audio Systems is a model of lucidity and sound advice in a slim, easy-to-digest package. . . an indispensible introduction to the high end for thousands of consumers who want better sound . . .” —Jonathan Valin, The Absolute Sound “I highly recommend this book.” —Harry Somerfield, San Francisco Chronicle “This comprehensive, up-to-date coverage of audio fundamentals replaces several reference works as the single best text on high-end audio.” —Ed Dell, Audio Amateur “I like this book. I give Harley a lot of credit for tackling a potentially daunting subject with such intelligence and passion.” —John Stiernberg, Sound and Video Contractor “While most books on the subject of home entertainment are out of date before they hit the bookstores, Home Theater for Everyone will be useful well into the next century. I highly recommend it. Am I gushing? It’s deserved.” —Harry Somerfield, San Francisco Chronicle “A monthly magazine like Stereophile often devotes space to introductory articles, buying tips, or features on systems and listening rooms; but it could never put together the material in such a structured and consistent way as Robert Harley has achieved in The Complete Guide to High-End Audio. . . I can firmly recommend this unique, largely up-to-date book.” —Martin Colloms, Stereophile “This is one valuable book, rich in information and insight into the world of high-end audio. I have benefitted immensely from this book and I believe it to be the ‘bible’ for high-end audio.” —Dennis Krishnan, High-End Magazine “[Home Theater for Everyone] is the best guidebook we’ve seen on the subject.” —Wayne Thompson, The Oregonian

Author Biography

Robert Harley is the editor in chief of The Absolute Sound, the world's most respected magazine on high-performance audio. He is the author of Introductory Guide to High-Performance Audio Systems and Home Theater for Everyone and has written more than 1,000 product reviews and articles on high-quality music reproduction. He lives in Carlsbad, California.