SPICA revival and modification

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

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.

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

In a former life I was the national sales manager at Spica and here are some facts for you ... the drivers for both the TC-50 and the Angelus were raw Audax units customized and matched in-house by Spica. All the crossover components were also individually graded and matched in-house. When the crossovers were assembled they were also matched. Although the crossover components showed "10%" they were all individually matched closer than "1%". A "service code" was assigned and that's how we supplied replacement parts and kept the speakers in spec. That's why when hobbyists replaced caps with better(?) grade pieces they found that their speakers sounded really different and always much worse. John Bau was a truly brilliant designer. The TC-50 and Angelus are truly outstanding loudspeakers and offer imaging and transparency rarely achieved at any price BUT they are OLD. Drivers age with time, use, and exposure to the atmosphere. With no replacement drivers available and the fact that a "loose nut in front of the volume knob" can blow anything up you are taking your chances. I don't have any experience with the TC-60, as I left the company before the sellout, but if there are no parts for them the same holds true.