The Complete Guide to High-End Audio download epub

As a long time lover of music, I started to get interested in how to get the best possible sound at home and started my journey into the audiophile world with this book. In my opinion, this is the only reason you should buy this book: if you are looking for a place to start and have absolutely no idea what you're getting yourself into.

As other commenters have noted, yes, there are myriad problems with the technical details of the book. These are clearly not Harley's strong suits, though where he shines is in talking about acoustics and auditioning equipment. I also like that he occasionally reminds the reader that the point is enjoying the music, not getting bogged down in equipment (though it's hard to take him seriously sometimes, especially if you read the reviews of $1000+ power cords in TAS). He certainly doesn't allow himself to get bogged down in the technical details and underlying principles.

All in all, "complete" is a misnomer, to say the least. There's no need to keep harping on his complete lack of technical prowess, but the book falls short in other areas, too. I, for one, was appalled that there is only one page in the entire book that covers headphones and headphone amps - a primary listening method for many an audiophile, and he doesn't even bother going into detail about them.

You know how there are those people on forums who know a lot about one little thing and assume that they're knowledgeable enough to talk about other related things? That's this book. Take it for what it's worth.

It's a great introduction to high end audio, and the studious reader will not adopt it as his bible, but use it and the information in it as a jumping off point into this wacky, wonderful world of audiophilia.

Happy listening!

This book is OK. It does not get into any detail. At least not enough for me.If you know nothing about electronics and audiophilia it might quench your quest for "stereo" know-how, but I was disappointed because it is supposedly a "goldmine" of information. It's fine for a general reference but if you need anything in depth you'd better head on over to Mr Google again.

Of course, it is an entertaining read because the guy does know how to write. I'm too busy to read it as entertainment because I'm too busy relaxing listening to music but WTH, I guess I can leave it on the coffee table.

As editor of the The Absolute Sound, Robert Harley has impeccable credentials as a hifi professional and populariser. As a newbie myself, I found this to be an excellent introduction to the world of high end audio. But I imagine that even many people already owning some very expensive high end systems would find some pearls of wisdom here. The text deals with sometimes complex concepts in a straightforward and comprehensible manner. It is quite comprehensive, covering the full source-to-signal path, and everything from vintage tube set ups to modern digital and multi-channel AV systems. As fast as things may be changing in the world of music delivery (home networking and hi-res streaming etc.), much of the knowledge about system and component topologies and configurations is probably perennial.

I would have liked to have a little more discussion on HD radio and internet radio; specifically, the bit rates and the consequences of the aggressive digital compression that endows HD radio with about one tenth the resolution of red book CD. Magnum Dynalab, the top manufacturer of FM tuners that cost thousands of dollars, refuses to make an HD tuner because of the extremely lossy compression and the difficulty of any tuner to lock onto the digital signal that puts out about 10% or less of the power of the analog FM signal. Perhaps in the next edition Mr. Harley could add the pros and cons of digital radio.

Good product, John

Excellent read!!!

Little more info from Intro. Get cheap 1c copy first.

A good reference book to have around if your into hi-end audio.