What exactly is PRaT???


Ok, it’s like this thing and is associated with “toe tapping” and such.  I confess, I don’t get it.  Apparently companies like Linn and Naim get it, and I don’t and find it a bit frustrating.  What am I missing?  I’m a drummer and am as sensitive as anyone to timing and beats, so why don’t I perceive this PRaT thing that many of you obviously do and prize as it occurs in stereo systems?  When I read many Brit reviews a lot of attention goes to “rhythm” and “timing” and it’s useless to me and I just don’t get it.  If someone can give me a concrete example of what the hell I’m not getting I’d sincerely be most appreciative.  To be clear, enough people I greatly respect consider it a thing so objectively speaking it’s either something I can’t hear or maybe just don’t care about — or both.  Can someone finally define this “thing” for me cause I seriously wanna learn something I clearly don’t know or understand.  

soix

PRaT, the most asinine term ever invented in audio.  Talk about doing audiophiles a disservice....  My version of 'PRaT'? The volume knob. If I want to bang my head, I crank that S up! 

@audiom3 

Thank you for your thoughtful and insightful comment. I am sure it comes from deep knowledge and long study of the nuances of high end sound qualities.

@ghdprentice You're welcome! Yes, 40 years of being a drummer certainly doesnt hurt.  Knowledge of 'good' sound quality?  The only parameter with good SQ, is realistic or accurate. A cymbal (keeping it simple) that sounds compressed (ie squished dynamics), is not natural or accurate. No such thing as PRaT in a live concert. The band either has it, or they dont. If they do, people get into it. If they dont, they get booed off the stage in extreme situations.

@audiom3 Understand the term 'sarcasm' much?

Yes, there is no such thing as PRaT in a live concert because you are listening to live instruments. PRaT refers only to the reproduction of music with a focus on how accurately the leading and trailing edges of notes or sound waves are reproduced, which may not match the original live performance.

 

My introduction to the term came in the 1980’s, from members of the Linn "cult". Linn dealers would put on an LP, and act as if they couldn’t keep their feet from a tappin'. What a simple-minded concept, one entirely too subjective to try and debate.