Spica TC-50 + Amp Question

[mepenete]

Hi everyone,

Pretty new to the forum and just dipping my toes into vintage audio equipment, so please be forgiving if I am a bit naive. My current set up includes a Pioneer SX-650 receiver paired with Polk Tsi100 bookshelf speakers, with a Pioneer PL-520 turntable. Everything was bought on a pretty tight budget but looking to slowly upgrade.

Anyways, a family friend is gifting me a pair of Spica TC-50s which are in great condition still. I've been reading a lot about them and understand some of their limitations, and that placement can make a big difference in how they perform.

My questions are: (1) Will this receiver be able to push these speakers? I'm a little concerned about 4ohm impedance of the speakers. We don't generally listen super loud. (2) Any recommendations on budget stands to help get the TC-50s off the floor without breaking the bank? (3) Is a subwoofer a must with this setup, or is that just icing on the cake?

Thanks in advance!

 

[toxcrusadr]

The 650 is a solid 35 wpc receiver, and is rated for a 4 ohm load.

https://www.hifiengine.com/manual_library/pioneer/sx-650.shtml

The Spicas are a pretty low sensitivity speaker - 84 db/W

https://www.stereophile.com/content/spica-tc-50-loudspeaker-specifications

Low to moderate volumes is probably where you'll have to stay with this setup as the 650 will run out of gas if crankage is engaged.

Just a general opinion based on specs. Try it out and see.

Edit: Spica recommends amp power of 25-100W so the 650 is near the lower end, but in the range. Play it!

 

[toxcrusadr]

As for a sub, the Spica's have a -3db point of 60 Hz which is not bad, but it depends on your music style, volume (which you've already addressed), and whether you listen with tone controls mostly flat. I suspect you are not a bass-head. Also I note that the Polks are -3db at 61 Hz so they roll off at essentially the same place. What the bass curve LOOKS like at all other points may be different though. I'd try it out and see.

 

[mepenete]

The 650 is a solid 35 wpc receiver, and is rated for a 4 ohm load.

https://www.hifiengine.com/manual_library/pioneer/sx-650.shtml

The Spicas are a pretty low sensitivity speaker - 84 db/W

https://www.stereophile.com/content/spica-tc-50-loudspeaker-specifications

Low to moderate volumes is probably where you'll have to stay with this setup as the 650 will run out of gas if crankage is engaged.

Just a general opinion based on specs. Try it out and see.

Edit: Spica recommends amp power of 25-100W so the 650 is near the lower end, but in the range. Play it!

Much appreciated, thanks! Regarding bass/sub situation, the Polk's scratch the itch but I wouldn't complain about a bit more low end at some point. I'll see how the TC-50s fair and go from there.

 

[toxcrusadr]

A powered sub would also be a great way to take some stress off the 650 if you decide to go the sub route.

 

[Nat]

My experience is that the amplifier makes quite a difference in how Spicas sound - I suspect they aren't particularly easy to drive and are very revealing of amplifier behavior, and how much bass you get is amplifier dependent. In the right system, they are wonderful speakers and much less bass shy than you might expect, so I would try them with your receiver, but recognize that it may not be ideal. The subwoofer idea is possibly a good one (and Spica made subwoofer pairs for them them), but a generic cheapo may simply muddy the sound. Try it and see, and spend some time balancing levels, and choosing the cutoff frequency and phase.

 

[frommerstop]

I ran Spica TC50s off a Creek 4040, similar power output, it was a really nice match. Any stands that get them up to ear level will do. Pull them at least a couple feet into the room, try to keep clear space between them, and their imaging & smooth tonal balance will knock your socks off! Withe the right amp & placement, they could give Quads a run for their money!

 

[soundmotor]

I had TC-50s on a Dynaco ST70 for awhile. They are a good speaker and with well-recorded music only listening, very satisfying. Where they fall down is on synth bass or home theater explosions. They were also never intended for that. If you want them to handle it they need to be highpassed and used with a subwoofer.

Given the gear you have they should sound really nice when used within their envelope. Good stands a must too. I had shot-filled Celestion stands and those worked great. Look for solidly built stands that can be mass-loaded and consider them part of the system.