Two terms I don't understand - please explain

I agree more so with Rmn4's original description of slam, it is not so frequency related as stated. What about a rim shot? That is not bass but it's all about speed and dynamics. I also do not agree with Dcstep on the prat. I can name components that do not time very well but I risk offending people with them that are happy, for what?

Maybe you could name an vintage component that doesn't "time very well".

Lot's of times there is intermodulation distortion between the two-speakers (don't even talk about surround) and between the speakers and the room. IM distortion can make a system seem harsh and/or muddy and/or confused. Technically it IS a timing music, but has no impact on the pace and rhythm of the music.

Dave

Thanks PPL. Interesting answers. So, slam would be the "attack" of the notes or drumbeats and prat would be how closely the music adheres to timing, ie. 4:4, 3:4 time, etc.?

Regards,

Jan

04-29-08: Jsmoller said:
"...prat would be how closely the music adheres to timing, ie. 4:4, 3:4 time, etc.?"

I can't wait to hear the answer. ;-)

Dave

If your drivers aren't well controlled by the amp, they will sound blurry at the edges of the note (well, through the whole note) and that will give you a PRaT issue. Woolly bass is fuzzy arounf the edges, and is certainly not PRaTty bass. Just when do you tap that toe?

Belt drives can be wonderful. No denying it. I learned about PRaT from a Naim driven Rega Planar 2. Actually, my Naim Nait 3 was pratty with all sources, in a way previous amps were not, and in which my NAP140/NAC32.5 is, but my Scott 222c and Sherwood AM-7040 are not -- though I don't think that's a flaw in these latter, as I think Naim are (or were) designed with highlighting the prat-making bits of signal. Hey, it works, and is extremely exciting. As I said in my earlier post, PRaT can be introduced into a signal.

Anyway, I was quite happy with various belt drive TT's until I heard a Lenco.