<https://gy8.eu/review/the-audiophiles-guide-the-loudspeaker/>
Despite some barely legible diagrams, I welcomed its arrival and the close linkage between process and specific sonic/musical examples. This time round those diagrams have either been moved or omitted all together, while using the various tracks on the SACD is mentioned in the (expanded) text, without the existence of the SACD itself being flagged up. Such are the issues with ‘building out’ a text and sub-dividing categories…
Where does that leave this Magnum Opus? The full set and its slip-case is certainly handsome, but at $499 it probably appeals mainly to PS Audio fan-boys and audiophile partners searching for a gift. And seriously guys – if someone is dropping five-hundred bucks on a full-set, include the SACD and downloadable files too!
What’s of more interest to the rank and file is the individual volumes. Priced at $39.99 each, they make considerably more financial sense, while allowing you to prune your investment to your own requirements. To me, Volume 6 The Listening Room contains an awful lot of useful information when it comes to optimizing speaker set-up and the acoustic treatment/construction of listening rooms. There’s nothing revolutionary here and the constructional suggestions, materials and details lean heavily towards US norms, rather than European or Asian practices, but it’s nice to have a whole host of issues and explanations gathered in a single place. The Vinyl and Digital volumes cover all the basics too, while serving to remind you just how much you thought you knew. Meanwhile, volumes covering Headphones, Subwoofers and Home Theatre can be considered on an as required basis – especially if you are moving into a previously unexplored audio realm.
The Audiophile’s Guide, in all its various volumes, is not the be-all and end-all of audio system set-up. It will not turn you into Jim Smith or Stirling Trayle. But I’d be awfully surprised if you didn’t learn something (and something useful) from amongst its pages. But for many listeners, irrespective of system value or assumed ability, the understanding gained and any advice followed will result in a very real improvement in system performance. Paul McGowen doesn’t know it all – but he knows more than enough to be useful.
The Audiophile’s Guide
Collector’s Edition – 10 Volumes in a custom slip-case – $499 USD
Individual Volumes – $39.99 USD
The Collection – $49.99 USD
Availability:
https://www.theaudiophilesguide.com/ or through Amazon worldwide.
