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Amp "timing" ?

I was reading someone raving about the impeccable "timing" of their high-end amp this morning.  I have heard this term tossed around several times recently in my dive back into highish-end audio. 

Can someone please explain what is meant by this term?  Is it snake-oil or confirmation bias?  I just don't understand how a human  can hear  a timing difference of a soundwave unless it's a 2nd+ order reflection.  

Thoughts?
dtximages

Showing 4 responses by cleeds

cleeds
6,069 posts
 
wolf_garcia
I was trapped into a "presentation" (in the late 80s maybe) at a stereo shop of why a Linn LP12 table, when compared to a Denon direct drive table, was more rhythmically accurate...it wasn't
Regardless of your opinion about the turntables, it easy to see how a turntable could have an effect on timing. An amplifier, not so much.
cleeds
6,069 posts
 
dtximages
Why do I feel like we’re being duped here ... I’m just getting tired of all the "and the veil was lifted" colour that people are adding to their reviews/opinions that have zero basis. But I’m still open to this timing thing if it has a basis because I LOVE believing things sound different and better, I’m just not always convinced it’s true.
I suggest that you listen for yourself, and then decide. There's just no substitute for personal experience.
cleeds
6,069 posts
 
dtximages 
... just wondering if this is more audiofraud minutia or if it's a very clear distinction that can be relatively easily recognized by a critical listener.
This is the logical fallacy of the "excluded middle," aka tertium non datur.
cleeds
6,069 posts
 
I think this inquiry is best directed to the person who made the claim.
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