"Pace", it's importance for enjoyment?


The English press have used the term of "pace" to identify
what, I think, is a very important quality in the enjoyment
of an audio device. I have never had speakers, wires or
amplification have as much impact on this feeling of "pace"
(or I should say, lack of it)
as digital source components seem to have. Is this part
of where high-rez..SACD and DVD-A..provide an imporvement
over redbook? Too often I have had high-end cd players and
DACs provide detail..but lack the ability to let me enjoy
the listening. If there is any one thing I can point to
in vinyl vs. redbook, it is that quality of "pace". What
are your thoughts?
whatjd
"Pace" to me seems to be slowing the music down, making it more distinct and listenable...but actually the "speed" is the same! My SFCD1 excellas in this quality.
I think the bass information being emphasized on boomboxes and the guy next to you's car system is more tempo and beat and not the complete sence of pace (a term I prefer a bit over PRAT). A brush on a top-hat, or the finger sliding off the string on an upright bass(which is a percussive type of sound) can create pace as well..without being bass notes. That said..the bass that is heard from boomboxes and car stereo's is a part of the story.
I agree with the comments about bass reproduction being part of what we think of as having good or bad prat / pace. Since bass lines ARE a major portion of the rhythm section, it's no wonder that it would affect our sense of "backbeat" or "tempo". As such, i think that many of these "pacey" systems are also noted as being "musical". Since "musical" is often used as a description of tonal balance vs "detailed" ( slightly bright ), it typically translates as the system being "warm" and smooth ( slightly elevated bass and soft highs ). As such, the logical deduction would be that it would easier to achieve "prat" or "pace" with a slightly warm system than it would be to achieve the same results with a "bright" or "forward" system. Since analog / LP typically sounds noticeably "warmer" and "fuller" than most digital sources, it is no wonder that many complain that digital seems "lifeless" / "has no soul or rhythm" / "lacks pace". Obviously, tonal balance affects our sense of "tempo". Make sense ??? Sean
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If true reproduction of bass results in pace/prat, then what about those excellent sounding minimonitors, or any speaker for that matter that has limited LF? I don't believe prat merely coexsits with aligned bass reproduction. Just right off the top of my head, Linn Kans, NHT Superones, and many other various near field monitors offer excellent pace regardless of system configuration.

I am not, however, disclaiming bass to be irrelevant in this pace issue, but it's only one facet among many.