Toole F.E. Sound Reproduction: Loudspeakers and Rooms

Focal Press, 2008. — 550 p. — (Audio Engineering Society Presents). — ISBN: 978-0240520094.This book summarizes and explains conclusions from a lifelong involvement with audio. This book is excellent for anyone interested in factual information about loudspeakers and listening rooms, about measurements, listening observations and their practical implications.
This comprehensive work considers the whole sound reproduction chain from multi channel audio configurations and the loudspeaker/room system to acoustics and psychoacoustics and the evaluation process.
The book is about theory and praxis. It debunks much of the BS that seems to have permeated the audio industry and many of its customers. The book "must-read" for loudspeaker designers, recording and mastering engineers, room-acoustic consultants, audio reviewers and audiophiles.
Part 1 shows the reader how to create the best listening experience, offering practical approaches to the sound reproduction chain.
Part 2 is an in-depth consideration of acoustics and psychoacoustics - the science behind Part 1.Understanding the Principles
Sound Reproduction
Preserving the Art
Sound in Rooms — Matters of Perspective
Sound Fields in Rooms
The Many Effects of Reflections
Reflections, Images, and the Precedence Effect
Impressions of Space
Imaging and Spatial Effects in Sound Reproduction
The Effects of Reflections on Sound Quality/Timbre
Reflections and Speech Intelligibility
Adaptation
Adjacent-Boundary and Loudspeaker-Mounting Effects
Making (Bass) Waves — Below the Transition Frequency
Summary of Part One: Looking for a Way ForwardDesigning Listening Experiences
Multichannel Options for Music and Movies
Putting Theory into Practice: Designing a Listening Experience
Loudspeakers I: Subjective Evaluations
Loudspeakers II: Objective Evaluations
Psychoacoustics — Explaining What We Measure and Hear
Closing the Loop: Predicting Listener Preferences from Measurements
Acoustical Materials and Devices
Designing Listening Experiences