What exactly is PRaT???


Ok, it’s like this thing and is associated with “toe tapping” and such.  I confess, I don’t get it.  Apparently companies like Linn and Naim get it, and I don’t and find it a bit frustrating.  What am I missing?  I’m a drummer and am as sensitive as anyone to timing and beats, so why don’t I perceive this PRaT thing that many of you obviously do and prize as it occurs in stereo systems?  When I read many Brit reviews a lot of attention goes to “rhythm” and “timing” and it’s useless to me and I just don’t get it.  If someone can give me a concrete example of what the hell I’m not getting I’d sincerely be most appreciative.  To be clear, enough people I greatly respect consider it a thing so objectively speaking it’s either something I can’t hear or maybe just don’t care about — or both.  Can someone finally define this “thing” for me cause I seriously wanna learn something I clearly don’t know or understand.  

soix

 

My introduction to the term came in the 1980’s, from members of the Linn "cult". Linn dealers would put on an LP, and act as if they couldn’t keep their feet from a tappin'. What a simple-minded concept, one entirely too subjective to try and debate.

 

Hmm, it is indeed a very simple track. But, the PR&Tty kid is able to cry his way into the souls of analytical old men.

 

Mk.Gee - Are you looking up

https://youtu.be/DxdKr5PmlPw?si=SRj4flzUpOR4WXPZ

 

PR&T ...whatever....

 

PRAT was what happened when the Grateful Dead were "on." They sure as heck were not "on" all the time, but when they were the joint was hoppin'.

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OP, interesting question and one I have often wondered about myself.  

How do we know that what one person means by PRaT is the same as another, especially when communicating on an internet forum rather than sitting in a room together listening to music.

N