Two terms I don't understand - please explain

04-29-08: Jsmoller said:
"...prat would be how closely the music adheres to timing, ie. 4:4, 3:4 time, etc.?"

I can't wait to hear the answer. ;-)

Dave

If your drivers aren't well controlled by the amp, they will sound blurry at the edges of the note (well, through the whole note) and that will give you a PRaT issue. Woolly bass is fuzzy arounf the edges, and is certainly not PRaTty bass. Just when do you tap that toe?

Belt drives can be wonderful. No denying it. I learned about PRaT from a Naim driven Rega Planar 2. Actually, my Naim Nait 3 was pratty with all sources, in a way previous amps were not, and in which my NAP140/NAC32.5 is, but my Scott 222c and Sherwood AM-7040 are not -- though I don't think that's a flaw in these latter, as I think Naim are (or were) designed with highlighting the prat-making bits of signal. Hey, it works, and is extremely exciting. As I said in my earlier post, PRaT can be introduced into a signal.

Anyway, I was quite happy with various belt drive TT's until I heard a Lenco.

Another view............

I think PRaT is difference between listening to music and listening to HiFi.
One gets your toes tapping and other gets you admire the equipment.

04-29-08: Rnm4 said:
"...Actually, my Naim Nait 3 was pratty with all sources, in a way previous amps were not, and in which my NAP140/NAC32.5 is, but my Scott 222c and Sherwood AM-7040 are not -- though I don't think that's a flaw in these latter, as I think Naim are (or were) designed with highlighting the prat-making bits of signal. Hey, it works, and is extremely exciting. As I said in my earlier post, PRaT can be introduced into a signal..."

Please explain how an amp alters either Pace, Rhythm or Time.

Dave

I thought "slam" referred to midbass energy, and "PRaT" to speed stability. Clock jitter in a digital source affects PRaT, so that when you try to tap your toe to a jittery player you keep losing the beat. It's a weird experience the first time you notice it.