Speaker Recommendation Needed

Seandtalor99,

Does the Rel Strata make for a good matchup with for Spica TC-50s?

Given that you are puting this together from scratch, I would definitively recommend a wholistic approach: Explore combinations of speakers and receivers that are likely to work well together. As many of us know by experience, speakers can sound very different based on the other components in the system. If she does not like the idea of separates and wants a receiver, I would recommend something like a used Linn Classik matched with a relatively high efficiency speakers, like, for example, used Triangle floorstanders.
Good luck!

Actually theres a pair of Castle Harlech for sale. Their great speakers almost brought. Was suggested by a friend here. Maybe it could fill the bill?

Steveott,

The Vandys are 7-ohm, 86dB, 40-160 watts, the Snells are 8 ohm, 90dB, 50-250 watts. I'd think at least 100-120 good watts, naturally more never hurts.

The Vandys get lots of press here, but I think the Snell CV's are not as well known. Two friends of mine each run a pair...really wonderful speakers(would give the Vandys a run for their money...and might win) & used they cost in the $850-$1000 range($2600 new). They have have a character similiar to the Vandy in that they are very easy to listen to. There has been 2-3 pair listed here at A-gon in the last six months. One pair lasted about an hour before they were picked up. Either the CV's or the 2Ce's should do well in your room(add on a Vandy 2wq sub and you'd really have something).

Jonathanochi,

I have not owned TC-50s. I used the REL strata with Spica Angelus, with the crossover set at 27Hz, and now with the GMA Europas crossed at 48Hz. Of the two setups I think the crossover at 48Hz with the Europas is more seamless. The Angelus was a little difficult to integrate as it has very deep, but very lean bass ... it's easier to integrate with a speaker that has a more pronounced rolloff.

I would imagine that the Spica TC50s would cross at around 50Hz also, so I would guess that the REL could work quite well with them.

To be honest, adding the REL is one of the best things I ever did. It is tricky to setup and integrate and I have found I need to have it out in the room next to the main speakers, which is rather obtrusive, but it fills the music out and gives it a depth I really enjoy. It also means my system can play anything from string quartets to AC/DC depending on my mood, and handles both well.

Of course at $900 for the Europas and $800 for the used Strata maybe I could have found a floorstanding speaker for $1700 to do it all. I honestly don't know if mine is the optimum solution, but it does sound very good to me, and I'm quite happy with it.