Recommended Reading

[Scriffer]

What are some good books or magazines I could pick up in order to start learning more about the technical background of home audio electronics, especially speaker and amp design. I won't be able to build anything, but I figure it would be wise to know the details of what I'm getting into. I've looked at some books on amazon.com, but from the reviews, none of them appeared strong across the board.

As a background for me regarding technical knowledge, I'm coming from a four-week unit in Physics (best teacher I ever had) my senior year of high school 5 years ago. I've learned enough over the last few years to know the basics on what numbers are good or not in regard to specs, but there's not much more than that.

Thanks for any input. :T

[David Meek]

Ben, I'm moving this post into the Mission Possible DIY forum. Thomas, Jon and the gang can point you in the right direction. They're easy-going, really smart and handsome too (is it deep enough, yet?), so have fun in Speaker Design 101.

[ThomasW]

This is going to sound weird but I'm starting off recommending with THE definitive book on acoustics.

"The Master Handbook of Acoustics" F. Alton Everest

[GrahamT]

Welcome Ben,

For an intro into speaker design try the Cookbook by Vance Dickason, or books by David Weems, John Murphy etc. You can get some of the books here: http://solen.ca/bktee.htm

Another resource would be to get involved in DIY meetings and other audio get togethers. There are plenty of gatherings in your area.

[KeithM]

I'm going to recommend the Lousdespeaker Cookbook by Vance Dickason and the Acoustic Handbook mentioned earlier. I think it may be of advantage to buy a book on crossovers, but I don't know of any good ones.

[JonMarsh]

"Speaker Building 201", available from Madisound, online, $30.

Regarding amplifiers, check out Douglas Self's site, and if your'e interested in valuable insight regarding practical fundamentals of solid state amplifier design, get his "Audio Power Amplifer Design Handbook". If those whet youre appetite, and you've got the stomach for real math and technology, get Gedlee's book on transducer design.

Also, the AES Anthologies on speaker related papers are good. Can be purchased online from the AES.

~Jon

[Rolyasm]

Scriffer, Cedia has some recemmended reading and list them from beginner to advanced.

http://www.cedia.net/resources/bookstore.php#14

I haven't read any of these, but I have a few on order at Barnes and Noble. I am half way through the master handbook of acoustics. Good read but loses me at times.
Roly

[apilon]

Scriffer, Cedia has some recemmended reading and list them from beginner to advanced.

http://www.cedia.net/resources/bookstore.php#14

I haven't read any of these, but I have a few on order at Barnes and Noble. I am half way through the master handbook of acoustics. Good read but loses me at times.
Roly

The problem with Cedia is that they did not updated their list of books therefore a lot of them are out of print