A single ended or double-ended blower includes a blower motor assembly supporting opposed first and second shaft ends. The first and second shaft ends have respective first and second impellers attached thereto and enclosed within first and second volutes, respectively. The first volute is connected to an inlet and the second volute is connected to an outlet. The blower motor assembly is supported in a chassis enclosure. A radially outer inter-stage path is between the first and second volute. The second volute is at least partially substantially concentrically nested with the radially outer inter-stage gas path.