2. home-theater
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Need help with Spica TC-50 / Kinergetics setup

I have an older speaker set (circa 1988) and looking for someone who can help me make my system a little more bigger sounding.

I'm hoping someone knows about (i.e. "remembers") the Spica TC-50s and Kinergetics SW-200 subs and can help me out with getting more out of them. This is one of the few online forums where I found reference to the speakers anywhere! The Spica / Kinergetics were always rated very high for vocals, but maybe aren't the best for home theatre:

Main: Spica TC-50's
Sub: Kinergetics SW-200
Surround: Jamo 80(?)
Center: None.
Amp: Harmon Kardon AV300

I'm not a super audiophile (in fact I know very little!), but would like a good sounding theatre system with a lot more punch. It seems like the bass is easily overwhelmed and the kinergetics clip very easily with my current set up.

Is there anyone out there that remembers the Spica / Kinergetics and can give me advice to make my system more exciting?!

Am I expecting too much from my speakers?
Would a center speaker help? What would be a good match?
Do I need a better amp?

Any advice would be appreciated!

Thanks!

John
robotman
scpetscott
47 posts
 
Most likely it is your amp that is running out of steam, not the kinergetics. The spicas were great speakers, but playing loud was not what they were about. You might want to try a powered subwoofer or a bigger amp for the kinergetics.
robotman OP
35 posts
 
The Kinergetics do have their own separate amp. I go from the subwoofer pre-amp out on the HK receiver to the input on the Kinergetics amp. I don't know that much about the electronics and what causes clipping (besides something is being overloaded), but I'd guess that the Kinergetics amp is what is clipping. Like you said, I think they were made for accurate sound reproduction but not for simulating a spaceship landing in your living room.

Do you think I'd be better trying to sell my Spicas / Kinergetics and getting speakers more designed for home theatre? Is there a market for selling the Spicas and Kinergetics anymore?!

I'll post another thread to see what people could recommend as a different speaker set more designed for home theatre and how much a decent system would be.

I'm know I'm quite the newbie, so I appreciate your help!

John
seandtaylor99
1,262 posts
 
There is definitely a market for Tc-50s in good condition. I own Spica angelus, and I will not part with them. I am more doubtful that there is a market for your subwoofers. I think you could possibly get $300 for the tc-50s.

Spicas excel at imaging and subtlety, but are not so good at bass, high volumes or dynamics. If your interest is primarily home theater and you're more interested in dynamics and bass then I think you should sell the spicas and get something more suited to your tastes.

If you really like the sound of the spicas and would like to fill in the bass and add a little more dynamics I can suggest a used REL strata subwoofer. I use this with my angelus. It is a self powered subwoofer, so it eases the load on your amplifier and mates perfectly with the main speakers. The only down side is that they cost upwards of $700, even when used.

I hope this has been helpful.
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