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
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