Spica TC-50 crossover repair


Recently got a pair of Spica TC-50 speakers in a trade. Nice looking speaker that from all accounts is a nice sounding set as well. Original boxes and original stands. Problem is one of the speakers has a crossover that was in the process of being repaired and is missing the three coils. My question is: is this worth the time and effort to repair or should I give up the dream? I have a schematic that lists the parts required, but the web site I got this information has a caveat that reads "Spica carefully graded and tested each woofer. Then based on those parameters a service code was assigned and paired with a matching crossover. For this reason, it is unlikely that your components will match these exactly" I assume if I were to replace the coils in one crossover, they should also be replaced in the other (complete) crossover. However, this statement leads me to believe it may never be completely "right". Or will difference likely be negligible? Lastly, are any electrical DIYers out there that can tell me any relatively easy ways to test the woofers as Spica did in order to select the proper coils to rehab these speakers. What is the opinion out there? Thanks, Whyland
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Hi Whyland,
Yes John Bau tested every woofer and built crossover parts to each matched pair... This is still not a problem. Most manufactures,even high end manufactures match parts to plus or minus 10%. I have always done the same as John building my own product, but if you have an LCR meter and wind or unwind your coils to the inductance stated on your schematic, you should be within 2% tolerance and will yield very good results. I would replace the coils in both speakers and good air core coils can be expensive. Check Zalytron, Parts Express and Madisound, one of them will give very tight tolerences on their better coil lines.
I hope this helps,
Tim
Also, check Spica enthusiast site .spicaspeakers.com . If you want to email me and I will ask John Bau for you the questions you have. pjs3805a@hotmail.com or search for me by the name and send the email direct to me. I have an active ad or two running right now. Include your active email address and I will send it the moment he responds.

I don't know what speakers you have had in the past but, Spicas are special. TC50's and TC60's.
Hi Ponnie,

I may have some of the inductors here. Problem is, the value of one of the inductors is dependent on the service code, and I can't find that chart! But we can probably get him close. It would help if I had the service code and a photo of the other speaker's xover. No promises, but we'll give it a try.

I'm out of town all day tomorrow.

John

If you want to forward me the photos and service codes I will forward it to John Bau. If you can furnish me an email address I will have him send you the information you need. my email is pjs3805a@hotmail.com
Whyland,
Don't you have both speakers? And aren't the crossovers in tact on the second speaker? Everyone is making this much too difficult. These are matched pairs. Remove the coils from the good crossover, measure them, then buy new ones for both at the same value.
Tim
Hi Whyland

Another resource to help with your Spica TC-50 repair could be the Skiing Ninja. I've read good things about his cross over mods for different speaker manufacturers.

SkiingNinja

Good luck.