Subwoofer or new speakers? - need advice


I currently drive Spica TC60's with a Classe CAP-100 Integrated (overkill or what?!). My room is 20' x 14' with cathedral ceiling. The speakers are on the long wall about 9' from the sweet spot. I used to listen almost exclusively to small group acoustic jazz and chamber music on CD and vinyl. Now that I've started playing rock, electric blues, and reggae I can't crank more than half way. What should I do? I know next to nothing about subs. What are the pros and cons? What are the logistics? I don't even know how they work. Some direction would be appreciated. I hate getting rid of the Spicas; I've grown to really love them (too sentimental?). Thanks so much for your feedback.
easy_e
I know this may not be the answer you're looking for, but if you're open to the idea, buy a used pair of Spica Angelus. Keep your TC-60's, they'd make terrific fronts for a HT setup. I loved my Angelus' and if you want a little more bottom end you can always add a sub later on. I'm no expert on subs, but generally you run your output from your amp to the sub (speaker wires), then speaker wires out of the sub to your monitors.
angelus' wood be a nice upgrade, if ya like the tc60's. re subs, see "the best subwoofer" thread here for opinions about subs (mine included!). jeff is correct about how many powered subs are set-up - one reason why i prefer the wirtues of passive subs, an outboard active x-over & a separate subwoofer amp: simpler, cleaner, better electronics.

doug s.

I had Spica Angelus for close to 8 years. A truly great speaker. One thing to remember, with speakers like the TC50 and the Angelus there is no such thing as overkill. These speaker turn night and day when fed with quality electronis. When I stared my recent upgrade path the Angelus was the last to go and when I was running that with a great amp like the Ayre V3 , I felt that I had not proberly heard what that speaker was capable of in the eight years that I had it. I remember hearing that it also was a great match with the Muse 18 subwoofer, Muse would still make you the personality card to go with the Angelus. I could only imagine what it would sound like in my system today. A classic speaker if ever there was one. All the best-Gary
what happens when he cranks it more than halfway....
his cranky (yet surprisingly tolerant) wife politely asks him to wait until she's out of the house...

signed, his cranky wife... gallerygal
(yes, I'm really his wife, easy-e stepped away from the computer for a second.