Book recommendation: Intro to audio systems / audio set up?

[rootsrider]

Ahoy partisans,

 

I got a lost in the jungle of upgrading my audio system. I was thinking about getting some active speakers. However, I wanted to listen music from different input sources and on different speakers. Reading about passive pre-amps, processors, monitor controllers… I got lost. Before deciding which audio devices I really need … is there a book (or even website) which you would recommend to read?

 

I’d like to understand the basics, advantages, disadvantages, about …

- Active, passive speaker types,

- active, passive amplifier types,

- everything about connections (speakers with monitor controllers / amplifiers; balanced vs unbalanced signals, analog vs optical connections,)

- and answering questions like: what is a monitor controller, what is a processor, decompressor, etc.

… explaining very simple for Amateurs like me

 

Thanks a bunch!

Marco

[4est]

Robert Harley of "The Absolute Sound" has some books out. I have not read them, but they out to be decent at least.

[realhifi]

Ahoy partisans,

 

I got a lost in the jungle of upgrading my audio system. I was thinking about getting some active speakers. However, I wanted to listen music from different input sources and on different speakers. Reading about passive pre-amps, processors, monitor controllers… I got lost. Before deciding which audio devices I really need … is there a book (or even website) which you would recommend to read?

 

I’d like to understand the basics, advantages, disadvantages, about …

- Active, passive speaker types,

- active, passive amplifier types,

- everything about connections (speakers with monitor controllers / amplifiers; balanced vs unbalanced signals, analog vs optical connections,)

- and answering questions like: what is a monitor controller, what is a processor, decompressor, etc.

… explaining very simple for Amateurs like me

 

Thanks a bunch!

Marco

 

I'll second the Harley book. There are many references to books on this subject if you do a quick search on Google.

 

If you have a Hifi shop nearby then that is an excellent place to start also. The most important thing is always LISTENING for yourself.

[mav52]

I'll second the Harley book. There are many references to books on this subject if you do a quick search on Google.

 

If you have a Hifi shop nearby then that is an excellent place to start also. The most important thing is always LISTENING for yourself.

A few out there, as noted

 

HiFiBooks.com -- Robert Harley's books on Home Theater and High-End Audio

 

 

Get Better Sound by Jim Smith Get Better Sound - speakout

 

Audio/Video Cable Installers Guide by Stephen Lampen

 

For Computer Audio, no better place than right here.

[mayhem13]

Welcome to the hobby Rootsrider!

 

Why not use the forum as your resource? Simply break each bit of info your looking for into a clear, concise thread? This way you'll get real world answers from different viewpoints where those from a reference text express only one opinion. How bout start with explaining your intended setup and describing the space you'll be listening in and then start with speakers.......active vs passive?

[dkAudio]

I have been reading this book lately:

 

Loudspeakers: For music recording and reproduction [Hardcover]

Philip Newell (Author), Keith Holland (Author)

 

 

Amazon.com: Loudspeakers: For music recording and reproduction (9780240520148): Philip Newell, Keith Holland: Books

 

I believe this is a clearly written and easily understandable book for beginners like me. It touches on many subjects concerning loudspeakers, rooms, and signal chains, and should cover everything your looking for.