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SPICA revival and modification

When I just began getting into audio as I hobby, I remember reading about Spica loudspeakers. They were always able to get into Stereophile recommended ratings eventhough they were fairly affordable. Sadly, the company has been shelved after being bought by Parasound, and after having read an interview article with the mastermind of the RIP company, I wonder if these speaker can be bought used and refurbished with new drivers that would also preserve as much of their original sound as possible...The designer said that the Audax drivers used on the Spica Tc-50s, 60s and Angelus are gone, they are no more and that the crossover components may get corrupted. Any experience with these speakers gentlemen? I am very interested in hearing from actual owner with factual stories of what they did with the set ups when they blew up....I remember ST saying that the SPICAs needed to be matched carefully, not with high wattage. PAUL
bemopti123
stevegolf1
38 posts
 
I owned the TC 50 and partnered them with a $400 Arcam integrated. The sound was very good, but not exceptional. Then I got an AMC 3030 tube-hybrid integrated (30 watts)and the speakers absolutely came ALIVE! This was with an inexpensive Marantz CD46. I don't own them any longer, but just the other day I saw a used pair in the window of Park Avenue Audio in Manhattan (a highly reputable high-end dealer at Park Ave & 29th street - they advertise in Stereophile) for $250. I think I can say the sound was awesome with some justification because my "big" speakers are Pro Ac Response 3.5's ($7,500 list), which I compared directly to the Spicas. If you can find an AMC 3030 used, go for this combination! Steve
john_l
782 posts
 
I think I know what you mean about the blowing up. Ten years ago when I was shopping for new speakers. The TC-50 and angelus were on my short list. I didn't buy them however because the dealer demonstrated that they drove to distortion at moderate volumes. They imaged like nothing I had ever heard. I describe their sound as a little laid back like a vandersteen but with more detail, far less bass, and vastly superior imaging. I just bought a set of used tc-60's to use with my tv setup, and I think they sound excellent. These actually play as loud as I want (I've never driven them to distortion), and have pretty good power handling with bass that goes to the low 30's. They replaced my old vandersteen 2C's, and I think they are quite a bit better. They are excellent with vocals, and sound very good with my mid-fi solid state denon reciever. I think this is because they are inherently a little soft sounding. For nearfield listening, I think they are a steal.
bemopti123 OP
303 posts
 
to stevegolf1...HAHAHA, I also was browsing throught the window display in PARK AVENUE audio and I saw the same pair. That is why I got curious about these speakers and also due to this article in AUDIO ASYLUM. Nevertheless, it seems like no one here is addressing my question, modifications and repairs. PAUL
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