Search  for anything...

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

Based on 74 reviews
Condition: New
Checking for the best price...
$36.29

Buy Now, Pay Later


As low as $9 / mo
  • – 4-month term
  • – No impact on credit to apply
  • – Instant approval decision
  • – Secure and straightforward checkout

Ready to go? Add this product to your cart and select a plan during checkout.

Payment plans are offered through our trusted finance partners Klarna, Affirm, Afterpay, Zip, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. No-credit-needed leasing options through Acima may also be available at checkout.

Learn more about financing & leasing here.

Free shipping on this product

30-day refund/replacement

To qualify for a full refund, items must be returned in their original, unused condition. If an item is returned in a used, damaged, or materially different state, you may be granted a partial refund.

To initiate a return, please visit our Returns Center.

View our full returns policy here.


Availability: Only 1 left in stock, order soon!
Fulfilled by USAHARMONY

Arrives Tuesday, Nov 17
Order within 17 hours and 35 minutes

Available payment plans shown during checkout

Protect Your Purchase

Easy claims online, fast replacements, no fees

Checking for protection plans...

At a glance

Condition
New
Dimensions
6 x 0.52 x 9 in
Weight
11.5 oz
Publisher
Acapella Publishing
Publication date
April 1, 2007
Language
English
Print length
240 pages

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. Read more

Specs 8

Publisher Acapella Publishing
Publication date April 1, 2007
Language English
Print length 240 pages
ISBN-10 0978649303
ISBN-13 02
Item Weight 11.5 ounces
Dimensions 6 x 0.52 x 9 inches

Frequently asked questions

If you place your order now, the estimated arrival date for this product is: Tuesday, Nov 17

Yes, absolutely! You may return this product for a full refund within 30 days of receiving it.

To initiate a return, please visit our Returns Center.

View our full returns policy here.

  • Klarna Financing
  • Affirm Pay in 4
  • Affirm Financing
  • Afterpay Financing
  • Zip Pay in 4
  • Financing through Apple Pay
  • Financing through Google Pay
Leasing options through Acima may also be available during checkout.

Learn more about financing & leasing here.

Top Amazon Reviews


Just what I've been looking for
Format: Paperback
I want to create a music space in my home that allows me to hear the music as it was intended to be heard. This book gives me the technical knowledge to create such a space. Terrific.
Reviewed in the United States on September 29, 2024 by Joe Emerson

A fun read and a good introduction to high-end audio and equipment
Format: Paperback
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. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on June 5, 2009 by The Audiophile

An Excellent Guide to Hi-FI
Format: Paperback
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. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on March 24, 2010 by R. Ferguson

Great book to teach you lots about stereos, even if you don't know anything about them.
Format: Paperback
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. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on August 14, 2015 by BigJMW

Audio
Format: Paperback
Did not order this book
Reviewed in the United States on November 19, 2015 by Yeats

Guide to audio purchase
Format: Paperback
This is a good basic book for someone who is interested in getting a broad view of stereo/audio equipment. For somebody like me, who has not kept up with audiophile equipment for 20 years, it was a good book. There is more detail than I need , but that's good--I am sure I will go back to it.
Reviewed in the United States on November 13, 2009 by Jonathan R. Amy

Amateur Audiophile
Format: Paperback
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. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on May 1, 2010 by Kyle L. Lisowski

Similar to his other books but less technical.
Format: Paperback
Concise presentation of subject. Less technical than complete guide to high end audio. Recommended.
Reviewed in the United States on November 18, 2023 by Rbrtstntn77
Checking for best price...