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Amp "timing" ?

I was reading someone raving about the impeccable "timing" of their high-end amp this morning.  I have heard this term tossed around several times recently in my dive back into highish-end audio. 

Can someone please explain what is meant by this term?  Is it snake-oil or confirmation bias?  I just don't understand how a human  can hear  a timing difference of a soundwave unless it's a 2nd+ order reflection.  

Thoughts?
dtximages
cleeds
6,103 posts
 
dtximages
Why do I feel like we’re being duped here ... I’m just getting tired of all the "and the veil was lifted" colour that people are adding to their reviews/opinions that have zero basis. But I’m still open to this timing thing if it has a basis because I LOVE believing things sound different and better, I’m just not always convinced it’s true.
I suggest that you listen for yourself, and then decide. There's just no substitute for personal experience.
stevecham
3,340 posts
 
The only maeasurable parameter that might, and I emphasize might, be involved here is the amplifier slew rate, that is, how many volts/microsecond can it increase?
jtcf's avatar
jtcf
1,620 posts
 
It's just another way to describe a component,cable,etc. that gives the impression of a livelier presentation.I have heard it myself when trying various tubes.
dtximages OP
368 posts
 
Ok cool now we're getting somewhere.  So the amount of time something kinda lingers like maybe a quick cymbol.  I would like to hear a "poor timed amp" next to a "good timed amp" to see exactly what I should be listening for. 

Any preferred Spotify tracks to carefully listen to where I might hear this?
wlutke
744 posts
 
Some amp /speaker combinations can sound plodding. It’s often referred to as slow in the bass. An analogy might be running in a pool vs on deck. The beats are on time but without speed or agility in a musical sense.
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