Audio Measurements
A Comprehensive Guide For Checking Quality In Audio Reproduction Equipment
by NORMAN H. CROWHURST
Norman Crowhurst is the nearest thing to a legendary author on audio topics as we are likely to have. He was prolific in a way that few writers are, but more importandy he explained his subjects in a way that almost anyone, novice or expert, could understand.
Audio Measurements, first published in 1958, is a complete compendium of measurement and testing techniques for audio reproduction equipment, with discussions of all the instruments needed to use them. The book has a simplicity and clarity which are the hallmark, of all of Crowhurst’s writing.
He begins with measurement techniques and follows with a full discussion of all manner of test equipment. Although the book deals with the equipment of the day, largely it based on vacuum tubes, much of that equipment is still available at bargain- basement prices.
Chapter three deals with basic measurements and how to make them. The author moves on to special techniques for measuring basic amplifiers, discusses output transformers, and continues with an examination of how to test preamplifiers.
Long-play recordings were the dominant medium at that time, so the author does two excellent chapters on phono pickups and tone arms, as well as turntables and changers. The final two chapters cover setup and testing of magnetic tape recorders and measuring and calibrating microphones.
The book is fully indexed, making it a comprehensive and informative volume on determining the quality and performance level of alm ost any piece of audio equipment. Audio Measurements belongs in every audio hobbyist’s library and most especially so if the hobbyist is a tube enthusiast.
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