headphone setup

Archived from groups: rec.audio.high-end (More info?)

Update on my search for digital sources--

I went to three stores in LA today, auditioning digital sources. I
finally purchased a Linn Genki--not because I necessarily loved it, but
I just wanted to live with it for a while. I'll sell it on audiogon if
I really get sick of it.

Well, I already have an opinion after an hour of listening (a negative
one).

I see that "pace, rhythm, and timing" has been discussed here before.
Linn products are known for PRAT, according to their fans. I did feel
that the Linn Genki had a pleasant toe-tapping quality that drew me in.
However, after an hour of listening, I realized that this PRAT quality
was extremely monotonous. It felt like a coloration superimposed on the
rhythm.

Curious. I didn't realize that a piece of equipment could have such an
effect on the feeling of the rhythmic dance. In the case of the Linn,
the way I perceived it was a dance that was monotonous--or like
watching an awkward conductor of an orchestra who mainly flapped his
arms but otherwise didn't have any rhythmic subtlety.

My suspicion is this has to do with the way it handles transients. I
experienced transients as "jumping out at me" from the speakers. Going
back to my CAL Sigma II, the transients laid back, and let me enter
into the world of the rhythm out of my own choice.

Any similar experiences? Anyone like the PRAT of the Genki?

Mike