Hi-Fi: The History of High-End Audio Design

The book had a lot of info from 1880's to 1920's, but skipped the high fidelity of the 1930's and 1940's and jumped right to the 1950's.Then they had lots of information from the 60's, 70's, 80's... I wish they had discussed each decade more, who were the players, manufacturers, sellers, which items from which decade are still desirable to day and worth purchasing. Over all it is a great book and I am glad I purchased it. I would highly recommend it.

The author has done a wonderful job of writing clearly and passionately about the history of High-End Audio Design and the book contains beautiful photos of many of the historic and present day products that bring music to life and joy to our eyes and ears. Everything about the layout of the book is beautiful, from the graphic design to the photos to the feel of its pages. Here is an approachable and inviting story about industrial design, beauty of sound and a tribute to the designers and music lovers who created, and continue to create, these wondrous machines.

I've always been attracted to Hi-Fi equipment, but in reality, I can't hear much of a difference between much of any of the equipment, at least not enough to spend a lot of money on it.But I did enjoy reading this book as it provided a great history of the audiophile world, and the pictures were excellent.

Enjoyed this book.

I believe Gideon Schwartz’s ‘HiFi’ is an essential read for those of us who have quested after beautifully reproduced music in our homes for years (and in my case, decades). He chronicles the development of high fidelity from the 50’s to the present day in this meticulously written and illustrated book. It illustrates the arc of music’s reproduction from Thomas Edison’s most beloved invention, the phonograph, to visionaries of engineering genius that gave rise to companies such as Quad, Garrard, Marantz, Conrad-Johnson and Audio Note, to name a few.It is an immensely informative read that has made me reflect on my own pursuit of high fidelity over the years, making the book all the more personally enjoyable. I believe that anyone smitten with high-fi in the service of a true emotional connection to music owes it to themselves to read this book!

First of all, the book was shipped in a double bubble wrapped package and placed within a box. It arrived in mint condition. Recently, I have had to return a couple of other books that were damaged in shipping. The book itself has a lot of good information next to the pictures and the evolution of equipment.

A beautifully presented and engaging book which takes us on a journey to better appreciate and understand the audio equipment that so many of us have listened to and loved for so many years. With a nice blend of art, design and a nod to the scientific thought processes in the manufacturers heads, the book will be a kick to anyone who loves listening to music and has a curiosity of how the equipment that we listen to it on has evolved.

Nice presentation of subject. Lots of pictures. Recommended.