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Spica TC-50 - As if I needed another great set of speakers

onwardjames

onwardjames

Hoardimus Maximus
Subscriber
Hello everyone!

Just received my Spica TC-50's from another AK'er this week, and after a little wax on the oak, a quick clean of the grills, and attachment of the provided new badges, I slapped them on the stands I had, and let 'er rip.

Yup, yup. These are pretty special. Even without the M&K Volkswoofer I plan on pairing them with, vocals are really there. Details abound. Diana Krall's lips make sounds when they part (and I ain't complaining).

Anyone else out there got a story to tell about these?? I know what you're thinking, "But Tim, you've got these giant speakers, and those giant speakers, and etc, etc"

Well, as I age, the old back is getting tired, and I'm pretty sure I have a hernia in the left side of my groin. Also, let's just say that I should probably get stock in the preparation that comes after "G" and right before "I".

I plan on a full recap, as these caps have a history of drifting considerably, and the crossover being accurate is where most of the magic happens.

What sayest the AK crowd?

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I’m thinking much more appropriate speaker for your space. And the TC-50’s are practically iconic, so if you’re a serious...um...I need a word...audionaut...you just gotta try ‘em.

A friend of mine got a pair of the Spica Angelus back when I was early in my hifi journey. I found them so uninspiring, I swore something had to be wrong with them. He insisted that’s just their sonic character. I suggested we measure them...he never took me up on it. Still, I’d try TC-50’s in a heartbeat.
 
tomlinmgt said:
I’m thinking much more appropriate speaker for your space.
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LMAO, understatement of the century, right there, haha. I gotta say, adding a sub may make these some real winners. They're pretty special in the area that matters (mids).

And @Pete B Thank you for that excellent link.
 
Pull them out from the wall behind them a good bit and play a bit with toe, you will be greeted with one of the most wonderful, open sound stages.

Years ago, I heard these in a rather oddly matched setup, California Audio Labs Tempest CD player, Counterpoint SA5.1 preamplifier, and an odd tube amp that I cannot recall at the moment, but it was simply magical. One of the overall best setups that I have heard to date.

Enjoy, fun speakers!

Just recalled the amp, a Wright Audio. Would have been around 1987/8 or so timeframe.
 
tomlinmgt said:
I’m thinking much more appropriate speaker for your space. And the TC-50’s are practically iconic, so if you’re a serious...um...I need a word...audionaut...you just gotta try ‘em.

A friend of mine got a pair of the Spica Angelus back when I was early in my hifi journey. I found them so uninspiring, I swore something had to be wrong with them. He insisted that’s just their sonic character. I suggested we measure them...he never took me up on it. Still, I’d try TC-50’s in a heartbeat.
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Oh grats on those Spicas!! Seen a pair sell down here in Dallas a couple years ago while I was researching them, someone got'em. Do t recall I ever heard on person say they didnt like them.

And, sorry ... As much as a fan I am of Diana, her turn up the quiet album drive me nuts with her lips ... and tongue sounds. Lol. I kept thinking of my dad barking at me to chew with my mouth closed.
 
You might want to take a look at the crossovers. They used electrolytic caps in part of them.
 
I’d love to find a pair of those. I have the subwoofers and sub amp (Kinergetics SW200) that Spica used with them at CES when they came out, and reports of that combination were very good indeed.
 
TimF said:
Pull them out from the wall behind them a good bit and play a bit with toe, you will be greeted with one of the most wonderful, open sound stages.
Click to expand...
I shall, and thank you for the tip!

Spiceman50 said:
And, sorry ... As much as a fan I am of Diana, her turn up the quiet album drive me nuts with her lips ... and tongue sounds. Lol. I kept thinking of my dad barking at me to chew with my mouth closed.
Click to expand...

This is her tribute to Nat King Cole, which sounds splendid. I have an issue with the amazing Rufus Wainwright. Once you hear how he sucks in air with a slight "hiss" after EVERY....DAMNED....PHRASE....you can't unhear it. Grrr.

ET16 said:
You might want to take a look at the crossovers. They used electrolytic caps in part of them.
Click to expand...

After the honeymoon, a full recap is in order. I'm thinking Mundorf, but am open to any opinions/experience.
 
Great sounding and imaging speakers. Some of the best at any price. No bass to speak of, definitely a favorite for classical music. IIRC when a subwoofer was added it lost some of that imaging and detail magic. It may take some experimentation to get it just right. Maybe a DSP or electronic crossover may help. Make sure the subwoofer is in phase with the Spicas as that would potentially mess up the sound stage, detail and imaging.
 
I had the brief pleasure of hearing them once. A store in Sydney. It was probably a compromised demonstration but they sounded magical.

I was thinking about this, the ability to recall certain listening sessions vividly. In my mind it relates to when you hear an exceptional system. My brain recognises star talent systems immediately. The memory of the sound or a vivid overall impression remains after hearing exceptional music replay.
 
I bought my first pair in 86 and I still have them. I bought another pair 15 years ago.

I have an idea of improving the design. I have already had new a crossover designed and I'm happy with it. I would like to make a better cabinet and use better speakers. I'm very intrigued by the possibilities. Does anyone have any speaker pairings they want to recommend?
 
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