What exactly is PRaT???

OP

Perhaps it comes down to the ability of the amplifier to respond rapidly and fully to the current demands of the signal. This is most prominent when dealing with transients.

Transient as we know are sounds that very rapidly rise and fall, such as a kick or snare drum. When replaying such a recorded sound, the amplifier needs to almost instantaneously supply a peak of current to drive the loudspeaker to deliver the sound.  If the power supply is inadequate, then the current supply will be limited, and the dynamics of the sound are reduced, losing the sense of impact from the recording (PRaT) etc. 

Indeed, for so called PRaT speakers must be essential to bring out the pace rhythm and timing… the electronics certainly can’t do it on its own… there needs to be a synergy. 

N

Still prattling on about PRaT??!

When I first read about music reproduced with good pace, rhythm, and timing, I assumed the system had elevated midbass and treble to emphasize drums, cymbals, etc. and an uncompressed dynamic range.

@jwei 

When I first read about music reproduced with good pace, rhythm, and timing, I assumed the system had elevated midbass and treble to emphasize drums, cymbals, etc. and an uncompressed dynamic range.

 

You say when you "first heard... [you] assumed..." 

Does this mean you have subsequently clarified it for yourself through direct experience or. . . ? 

@stuartk 

Actually no.  I did not try to listen to equipment touted specifically for good PRaT. I had little real curiosity for what I felt was just another marketing term.

@jwei

I haven’t been into audio long enough to associate this term with any brand. When I researched my Hegel H390, I encountered mentions of its tendency to "move the music along" and once in my system, this was indeed apparent. It was not only noticeably different from other integrateds I’d owned but also from the much-more-costly systems owned by two friends -- both long-time audiophiles. Perhaps PRaT is just a marketing term but so far I haven’t encountered another that appears to be a more appropriate description of this particular phenomenon. OK -- "Boogie Factor" -- maybe. But that’s not very specific, 

Because I’ve discovered rhythmic engagement is crucial to my listening enjoyment, the fact that this "propulsive" capacity was repeatedly mentioned in connection with the Hegel definitely piqued my curiosity. However, I recognize that each of us has different priorities when it comes to sonic attributes so it's understandable that this capacity might not matter so much to you or others, here.