What makes the Bloom around instruments . . .

I also think Chuck's speaker cables and such are more resolving than your anti cables. So maybe more details/resolution are heard in Chuck's system.

Hi Joe. This is certainly possible, though I don't know that it effects the likelihood of either scenario I described in my last post.

I suppose there is an argument to be made that Chuck's system, if it is more resolving, might reveal characteristics of the XA30.5 that are inaudible in my system. But I have a hard time believing that any additional resolution would reveal "bloom" as a consistent characteristic of the amp. I could be wrong about that. I also could be wrong about what Chuck has in mind when he uses the term "bloom." It seems there is some difference of opinion about what that term means.

My description of the XA30.5 is based on hearing it in two different systems (mine and a friend's). I have also heard other Pass amps from the XA.5 series in other settings, including some systems that are very revealing by any standard. It is on the basis of those experiences that I have characterized the XA30.5 as "neutral," rather than having "bloom." Of course, other people familiar with the XA30.5 may have different experiences and different opinions, which I am certainly open to hearing.

Bryon

bloom: A quality of expansive richness and warmth, like the live body sound of a cello.

-From J. Gordon Holt's Stereophile audio glossary.

This is what I thought Chuck meant by "bloom." Maybe he can tell us.

Bryon

My definition of 'bloom' is very close to Holt's/stereophile's listed in Bryon's post. I would describe it as a warm,euphonic sound quality that doesn't sacrifice or mask details. I like the earlier poster's analogy of a topograhic map of the music -very descriptive. If Chuck is looking for a warmer. more euphonic quality, then I would suggest trying a tube preamp (I don't see one on his system page so I'm assuning he's using the Wadia).
I may be totally wrong, but I thought you needed tubes somewhere in the signal path
(tubes in a cdp,preamp, amp,dac or even a line buffer) to introduce any 'bloom'. I was seeking this special quality in my system a few years ago and added a tubed preamp to replace a ss. It worked immediately. I replaced the stock tubes with NOS Mullards a year later which added a touch more magical 'bloom'. I'd even like a bit more if it comes in a powerful enough ss or digital amp to drive my inefficient speakers. So, based on your comments above, I might try out some other ss and digital amps.
I'm always learning new things from the guys and gals on Agon and just wanted to say I appreciate your knowledge and time. But I didn't want to hijack this thread. Chuck, did any of this and the above help you?

I have, with the Atma Sphere S30, what Holt's take on bloom is in my system. Having lost it with a SS amp/tube pre I went with the AS amp and recovered it.

From multitude owners of TRL SS amps I have been told that if brought into my system I would not lose that bloom I have with the AS amp.

I was convinced that a SS amp will not produce that bloom a tube amp can deliver. I hope to be wrong.

When I do get the SS amp in my system the AS amp will sit by and wait for the verdict.

That definition of bloom by J. Gordon Holt correlates perfectly with Baranyi`s experience with his father`s violin comparisions.This presence of bloom is real and I`m aware of it when listening to live acoustic instruments be it a concert or friends practicing(piano,guitar,horns etc.)A good recording can capture some of this quaility and very good systems can reproduce it in your home. Based on the OP`s descrition aboveit seems the Pass amp has superior low level resolution/lower sound floor that`s allowing him to hear the natural bloom. The Spectron amp for what ever reason is`nt as resolved despite it`s other apparent advantages.