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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
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nutty
2,907 posts
 

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

nutty
2,907 posts
 

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

 

jwei
154 posts
 

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.

stuartk
2,872 posts
 

@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. . . ? 

 

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