[andyr]

I don't know what "bloom" is, but if it takes the signal and alters it from flat or screws up the RIAA curve, then I suppose it can have a sound of its own.

I have one particular SS pre that gets out of the way and lets the recording do the "blooming", if there is "blooming" on the recording.

'ner

Haha - you need to take your blinkers off, Wayner! 

Much as I love the sound which my battery-powered, JFET-based phono stage delivers, I love the sound produced by the valve phono stage which a mate of mine makes - the Golden Age Audio 'Reference' - see here:

http://www.goldenageaudio.com.au/ga-reference-valve-phono-stage.html

If you don't like the word 'bloom' then make up your own word to describe that special magic which a good tube circuit delivers.  Copying the late, great Harvey 'Gizmo' Rosenberg, I would say "gorgeous tubosity".     That being said - I prefer the sonic presentation of my 'Muse', which delivers better definition of bass transients.

Regards,

Andy

[griffithds]

I think the best answer to this question has been answered by andyr.

Quote:  ********************  "I prefer"   *************!

Regards,