Does "Fast" = "Detailed"?

My 2 cents worth:
Both adjectives, "fast" and "detailed" refer to a high level of detail. "Fast" refers to details in the timing domain: how quickly the system can respond to reproduce the micro-transients, phase coherence, and a realistic leading edge. "Detailed" refers to details in the frequency domain: how accurately the system reproduces the nuances of the harmonic texture and structure of the notes. Let me add a third adjective. "Dynamic" refers to details in the amplitude domain: the range of amplitudes the system is able to reproduce and how faithfully it can reproduce micro-dynamics and dynamic gradations.

It takes a high level of detail in all three domains to reproduce the harmonic bloom as it evolves in time from it's leading edge to it's eventual fade without distorting the relative balance between the amplitudes of the different frequencies in its harmonic structure. Harmonic detail without a resolving enough time and amplitude domain results in cold, lifeless, and uninvolving reproduction. On the other hand, quick-slam-thank-you-mam presentation with a polyester-like harmonic texture lacks refinement as well. To complicate matters: poor room acoustics in the listening room, and poor speaker and listener positions could obscure nuances in all three domains no matter how good the audio components.

hi tvad. if a system has a treble roll off, and slight mid range bloat, how could it still be detailed ?

doen't the treble contribute more to the perception of detail than that of any other region ?

"doen't the treble contribute more to the perception of detail than that of any other region ?"

Not always. Until you experience a system with detailed, lifelike midrange and bass you might think so.

Puremusic, that is a nice explanation worth bookmarking. Thanks.

Gunbei, I believe your point has merit. Personally, I have never heard a rolled off system that seemed fast or detailed, though. To me, it's the attack of the notes that brings realism, and a perception of speed.

Here's another question. How much does a soundstage such as one that might be described as being holographic with clear placement of instruments rendered in a lifelike soundfield weigh on speed, or detail? Could this clear delineation of spacing and placement be construed as detail since it adds information to our perception of the experience?

Interesting, because what I've tried to describe is what many people might experience in a SET based system. A system most people wouldn't consider fast. And that's why, I think Puremusic's inclusion of "dynamics" has great relevance. Is detail then as Puremusic mentions limited to the frequency domain?

Tvad, I think one area I'm in the distinct minority here is that I consider a system that has good PRaT to be fast. And also that a system with good PRaT need not be highly detailed.