Two terms I don't understand - please explain

04-29-08: 4est said:
"I too disagree with Dcstep about PRaT. IMO it is more about subtle micro dynamic shading- even within a single note/chord as it is played. Slam is only the leading edge of the note, when you feel the kick drum hit your chest concisely for instance..."

Hmm, I agree with everything that you say here, so I'm wondering in what regard do we disagree. I think that PRaT is really about dynamics, as you said.

Dave

04-29-08: Rnm4 said:
"Dcstep. I disagree that every TT that's not "grossly" out of whack gets pace right. I don't think belt drives in general do. My Lenco does, though. Also, poor speakers or badly matched speakers and amp can be sluggish."

We certainly do disagree about belt drive TTs.

Now how does a bad speaker/amp mismatech impact either Pace, Rhythm or Timing? "Sluggish" maybe, but Pace, Rhythm or Timing, I don't see how.

I've heard bad speaker/amp matches manifest themselves mainly in the bass region, where a speaker needs more control and the amp can't provide it, resulting win woolly, bloomy, over ripe bass. (Nothing to do with Pace, Rhythm or Timing). I've also heard an bright amp matched with a speaker with very extended highs, resulting in a bright, etched, unpleasant treble. (Again having nothing to do with Pace, Rhythm or Timing).

I'm trying to get people to focus on the words "Pace", "Rhythm" and "Timing" and not use them to describe something that's not happening.

Dave

I agree more so with Rmn4's original description of slam, it is not so frequency related as stated. What about a rim shot? That is not bass but it's all about speed and dynamics. I also do not agree with Dcstep on the prat. I can name components that do not time very well but I risk offending people with them that are happy, for what?

Maybe you could name an vintage component that doesn't "time very well".

Lot's of times there is intermodulation distortion between the two-speakers (don't even talk about surround) and between the speakers and the room. IM distortion can make a system seem harsh and/or muddy and/or confused. Technically it IS a timing music, but has no impact on the pace and rhythm of the music.

Dave

Thanks PPL. Interesting answers. So, slam would be the "attack" of the notes or drumbeats and prat would be how closely the music adheres to timing, ie. 4:4, 3:4 time, etc.?

Regards,

Jan