Learn how electronic test instruments work and how to use them to measure AC & DC voltage, current, power, phase shift, resistance, capacitance, inductance, gain/attenuation, distortion, and other parameters of audio equipment.

The operational principles, features, capabilities and limitations of multimeters, LCR meters, oscilloscopes, function generators, spectrum analyzers, LCR bridges, power supplies, transistor & tube testers, and other types of instruments are explained in a simple and systematic way. Both modern and vintage instruments, analog and digital, are covered.

The application side of this unique manual is focused on how to measure various parameters of hi-fi and guitar amplifiers, preamplifiers and crossovers, such as power consumption, gain, input sensitivity, output power, harmonic and intermodulation distortion, signal-to-noise ratio, crosstalk, input and output impedance, damping factor, frequency range and amplitude characteristic, internal AC & DC voltages and waveforms, phono stage equalization accuracy and even some speaker measurements.

This one-of-a-kind, large format (A4 size) practical manual is richly and professionally illustrated with more than 130 photographs and 250 illustrations, measurement setups, circuit diagrams, graphs and tables.

Understanding test & measurement methods and the functionality of test instruments is a very useful skill. This book is a treasure-trove of practical information for DIY enthusiasts, amplifier builders and anyone who wants to learn how to test audio equipment. Instruments, test methods and principles are explained in a simple and straightforward way. The emphasis is not on theory, but on hands-on, practical applications.

Who will benefit from this unique book?

• DIY constructors and amplifier builders who want to test the audio gear they've built and check its performance
• audiophiles interested in the technical side of audio and the testing aspect of hi-fi equipment
• guitar players who like modifying, repairing or building their own amps and speaker boxes
• electricians, electrical or instrumentation technicians with interest in audio measurements
• electronic engineers and electrical engineering students
• collectors, buyers and sellers of vintage test instruments, who want to learn about their operating principles and features

CONTENTS (Chapter titles):

• TEST INSTRUMENTS, ERRORS, LIMITATIONS & SAFETY ISSUES
• SIGNAL SOURCES, TRACERS, POWER SUPPLIES AND FILTERS
• MULTIMETERS - TYPES, OPERATING PRINCIPLES AND FUNCTIONS
• OSCILLOSCOPES - HOW THEY WORK & HOW TO USE THEM
• TESTING PASSIVE ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS (RESISTORS, CAPACITORS & INDUCTORS)
• TESTING AUDIO AMPLIFIERS AND PREAMPLIFIERS
• DISTORTION MEASUREMENTS
• TRANSFORMER TESTS & MEASUREMENTS
• LOUDSPEAKER TESTS & MEASUREMENTS
• TRANSISTOR TESTERS AND CURVE TRACERS
• TESTING VACUUM TUBES (VALVES)