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

This was a used (out of print) book. As described in great condition. Prompt delivery.

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.

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 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.

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!

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.

I was in search of information in my quest to understand more about the higher end world of hi-fidelity. Mr. Harley did a good job in holding my attention, and giving me the information needed to proceed in building a system. Though, I will need to refer back to this book, since there's still more to absorb.

Fascinating book for those interested in Hi Performance Audio, but don't know a thing about it, like I did. Or just anyone who wants to know more. He Starts at the beginning and explains all of the terms and components, what they mean and what they do. And does a lot of explaining on how to choose and put together a Stereo, and what percentages of your budget to spent on each component. And things of that nature... Very helpful for me.

For those who want a firm grounding in the fundamentals of Hi-Fi etc. this is a stellar book. It is written in a no-nonsense fashion and the advice is always sensible and grounded in empirical research. My initial concerns were that this book might have offered views or recommendations that were a little too rarefied for the majority of consumers (the speaker on the cover is absurdly expensive if you are not a city banker), but in fact the approach is very sensible.The book takes the reader through all of the most common hi-fi formats and the required equipment. It doesn’t advocate a particular product, brand or approach; it merely explains the rationale behind the different attitudes and what may be of interest to consumers based on their attitude.If you regularly read the Hi-Fi press (Hi-Fi News, Hi-Fi World, Hi-Fi Choice, Hi-Fi+), then this book will offer you very little as you will probably already be inducted into the arts of audio nirvana. If however you are new to the scene or don’t bother with such publications it may just broaden your mind.

A few years old, but well written. Happy to say this book avoids promoting specific suppliers of good quality HiFi whilst concentrating on how it works and how to choose what you might want to buy. A favourite subject of mine for many years, I still found some articles which taught me something new. I recommended it to a friend and he bought a copy too..so I would further recommend reading this book if you want some quality music around the home

Very informative and an interesting read for AudiophilesI have learned heaps

I read this book from cover to cover without being capable of stopping.All audio topics are covered in an easy flow.Being an audiophile for 30 years I thought I wouldn't learn anything but I was wrong.Very happy of my purchase.

sadly, a good part of this book is also found in The complete Guide to High end Audio. It's still very informative but don't buy both.