PRat: a DAC or transport thing?

Sean

Not only is the presentation delivered harmonically rich i.e. full of overtones, but also with the right timing of delivery due to reduced signal loss and smearing. That is, the overtones retain the proper pitch and are delivered in step with that of the primary notes i.e. sound is produced in a cohesive manner across the audible spectrum

Sean what you are saying is the system exhibits linear phase and has reasonably extended frequency response (esp. preserving mid to high freq integrity) -- and, not least, excellent midbass. In particular, when you note, "sound (i.e. music) is (re)produced in a cohesive manner across the audible spectrum".

I would agree.
Although across the audible spectrum is asking for too much; lets say 45-18kHz?

Also, the speakers are well set up. No:)? Cheers

Chris sez:

in my experience PRaT can also be enhanced by slightly raising the midrange/midbass output

In mine too. Also Linn's. And Naim's to a certain extent. But it has to be "clear" rather than "muddy" sounding. Cheers

Mrtennis sez

i tend to concentradte on timbre and tonal balance.

Ideally, in a well set up system, you would NOT have to concentrate on anything -- but the music.
Of course, even in such a well set up system I believe there is an individual "minimum resolution" level which allows to concentrate on music rather than be distracted by reproduction anomalies and artefacts. It's that dividing line that must be crossed by system performance level and set-up level -- and we can enjoy the music: this level obviously differs from one to another. Also the preference points differ; you express your focus points as timbre and tonal balance. I am very partial to "dynamics" (i.e. changes in amplitude) and linear phase & resolution: for me, the thin dividing line between listening to a musical artifact and listening to music is there.