New edition of Harley's guide on the way

I read whatever edition was current about 20 years ago, when I really delved into this hobby, and found it a great guide.
  Sadly, I lost some respect for RH and TAS with their breathless cheerleading for MQA.  Hopefully, that was done because they were/are true believers, and not for any financial gain on their behalf, but in the absence of transparency I’ll never know 

$45 is cheap. A bargain. A stone bargain.  

Think of it, just to read that book cover to cover is many hours of solid reading. Just reading. Not even studying. A lot of what's in there deserves serious study. His chapter on listening, how he explains how to do it, explaining the glossary of audio terminology- glare, grain, etc- this one chapter alone is how I learned to become a good listener. Before this I couldn't even tell one CDP from another! It did not happen by reading either, let me tell you! Had to read, study, think, listen, read, study, think, listen.... until one day BAM it is sinking in!   

So just that one chapter is gold. All by itself. Not to mention understanding power supplies, how components work. There is right now at this very minute a guy trying to improve dynamic range with op amps. If he read Harley he would understand how a power supply works and be making progress instead of running in circles. To name just one current thing at random.  

But that's not even the best part! The best part is everything in this book, you can count on it actually being true! Not interweb blather, real serious knowledge you can rely on. Invaluable.

+1 @ghdprentice
Fantastic book. Nothing like it. Invaluable audio reference and tips from an established audio writer. Coming from zero high-end audio knowledge I read this 5th edition book end to end - it gave me a solid foundation in understanding component technologies and what to look for when purchasing components. It’s like an encyclopedia of audio written in layman’s terms. The only drawback is it’s somewhat expensive $45 price, but it’s a thick book for the small niche audiophile market which seems to justify it’s pricing. Just ordered sixth edition.

I believe that both @stereo5 and Overature Audio in MD came to the wrong conclusion regarding unsold Harley books. I surmise Audiophile shoppers visit audiophile brick n mortar stores to evaluate components, get sales opinions and guidance. Typical customers emphasizes upgrading their audio chain sonics which is not the same as becoming more knowledgeable about high-end audio- the Harley book is not necessary for this activity.

I must agree with MC on this. Great book! I own the 4th edition.  Maybe the 6th should be my next upgrade purchase.

Exactly. I was being sarcastic because Stereo5 took a cheap shot at Harley. 

The book is in its seventh edition. Books that don't sell do not get to seven editions. Ever.

@stereo5 I had no idea Harley had fallen on hard times, financially. Hopefully a few book sales can rocket him back into prosperity.

Of course Harley has come out with a new edition, he needs the money.  Overature Audio in MD, gave me the newest edition when I bought a preamp from them.   The salesman told me no one was buying them, so they were giving them away with each sale. 

Frankly my first edition has more than enough to recommend as essential reading. Every once in a while I pull it out to check something and it is always impressive how much of what people still mess around with today was clearly explained by RH 30 years ago. I mean, the guy walks you through how to calculate room modes! With paper and pencil! Essential reading in any edition!

Cool. Glad to hear it. If there is one thing I would recommend to all folks interested in audio, it would be to read this book. It would answer so many questions and help standardize terminology used in the forum. I re-read it periodically. 

It provides terminology, processes, perspective, and architecture of high end audio.