Perception of Pace/Rhythm/Timing (PRaT) -- genetic? Options

[hollowman]

A somewhat "controversial" topic in audio gear subjective reviewing is the reproduction of Pace/Rhythm/Timing, sometimes abbreviated PRaT. (Sometimes, PRAT with a cap. 'A' may denote A=acceleration). The topic also includes an interdependent subjective metric, dynamics.

Perhaps the seminal introduction to the phenomenon is the Nov. 1992 article in Stereophile, Pace, Rhythm, & Dynamics by Martin Colloms . I noted that this topic is "controversial" in that it not often reported in gear/equipment reviews -- especially in forum- or message-board-based reviews ... where most folks stick to the common (and, IMO, repetitive) BMTS (bass, mids, treble, soundstage). From there, some may additionally describe, e.g., a headphone's 'dynamic' or 'speed' qualities. But when asked to comment on PRaT, the same reviewer responds with puzzlement, smug ridicule, or ignorance.

Pace/Rhythm/Timing -- or PRaT -- is something I'm particularly sensitive too. It is one of the first attributes that I notice the presence or absence of in audio gear, like headphones, all else held equal. I even notice it in slow music, like adagio or lento movements (the Colloms article above goes into this a bit).

Because of the apparent "underreporting" of the "PRaT" phenomenon as important audiological subjective metrics -- and even some hostility as to its importance or even its existence -- I'm wondering how much its perception is genetic. This may be like genetic sensitivity to perfect pitch:
http://perfectpitch.ucsf.edu/study/
Or, more simply, the PTC genetic bitterness test from high-school biology class?

This post has been edited by hollowman: Jul 4 2011, 16:42

[greynol]

I'm wondering how much its perception is genetic.

You should be wondering how much it is based on placebo.

Pace/Rhythm/Timing -- or PRaT -- is something I'm particularly sensitive too. It is one of the first attributes that I notice the presence or absence of in audio gear, like headphones, all else held equal. I even notice it in slow music, like adagio or lento movements (the Colloms article above goes into this a bit).

Please make sure you follow TOS #8 regarding your claims about your sensitivity. You're approaching an area where the ice is getting thin. Besides, if you are particularly sensitive maybe you can help in reducing the apparent amount of underreporting. Simply telling us without providing objective evidence isn't going to cut it, though.

BTW, this subject has been touched upon in the past:
http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index....showtopic=72446

This post has been edited by greynol: Jul 4 2011, 17:52

[hollowman]

Pace/Rhythm/Timing -- or PRaT -- is something I'm particularly sensitive too. It is one of the first attributes that I notice the presence or absence of in audio gear, like headphones, all else held equal. I even notice it in slow music, like adagio or lento movements (the Colloms article above goes into this a bit).

Please make sure you follow TOS #8 regarding your claims about your sensitivity. You're approaching an area where the ice is getting thin. Besides, if you are particularly sensitive maybe you can help in reducing the apparent amount of underreporting. Simply telling us without providing objective evidence isn't going to cut it, though.

BTW, this subject has been touched upon in the past:
http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index....showtopic=72446

The word 'sensitivity' was not meant to convey emotion in the sense that I'm touchy/angry/etc. about the issue. It meant I, FWIW, can sense it in the terms of "hearing it" (or detecting it, or am aware of it ... FWIW, IMO and YMMV, etc.)
Yes, I searched the archives (and perhaps should have stated I did and that I found that post). I found the archival thread under-informative to my reqs.
Finally ... yes ... I realize there isn't that much "evidence" supporting any of the ideas I put forth. I was hoping that some evidence -- pro or con -- would flourish as a result of bringing the matter to the attn of this forum body-scientific.
IAC, the OP has one relevant link. One can Google 'PRaT' or "pace rhythm timing audio" etc. and come up with some hits. E.g., and FWIW, of course:
http://forums.naimaudio.com/displayForumTo...566878606976414



No one has commented on the validity of UCSD's study/survey of perfect pitch. If that is not a valid comparison, please say do.

This post has been edited by hollowman: Jul 5 2011, 09:26