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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
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
1,589 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
355 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
714 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.
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
Amp timing can cause speaker plodding. When this happens, advance amp timing gradually until you hear PRAT, then back off a degree or so. 
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