Spica TC 50 Question s


I recently re-invigorated my audio interests, big time. I'm using an Adcom 535 II amp, Parasound PHP 850 pre amp, and Spica TC 50's. The system sounds great (cd player is a Cambridge CD4 SE) and my research tells me I really don't need to upgrade the speakers, which I purchased 13 years ago and are in perfect condition. I find the bass response is lacking while the imaging is great. I'd like more punch in the sound at lower volume levels.

Any suggestions as to how I can acheive this ? Subwoofer (I've seen the Velodyne mentioned) ? Better speaker wire (I'm using basic 14 year old monster cable at present). Anything else ?Thanks for any help that can be offered.
fredman
Something like Audioquest Type 6 or CV 6 will improve many things here including much better bass. I would also consider re-doing the crossover with better parts and rewiring internally. I've done a pair of TC-50s and the results were astounding. Better caps and wire will do the trick. These are real sleepers and may make you reconsider the sub.
Spica made a subwoofer to match the TC50's ... VERY difficult to find (only used of course), but may be worth the effort. Check www.audioasylum.com ; someone there recently purchased a pair of these subs and has been having trouble setting them up. He is not using TC50's and may consider selling the subs (worth a try!).

Jeff
Mission (of England) made some 8" and 10" subs for around $250. You might find one used. They got great reviews. I would probably have got one, but they didn't cross over low enough to be mated with the Angelus (my crossover is set at 27Hz !). However I think they would probably mate with the TC50 since I can't imagine it goes below 50Hz.

Jeffs idea is also good ... especially since you'll be able to tell your wife that the tc-50 + spica sub set would be very saleable, and so really you're "investing" in the subwoofers, not chasing audio nirvana :-)
I just want to say a sub will add a nice fullness to the sound- but you will not get more volume or "punch". Spica's are great and you should NOT use a sub crossover and roll off the speakers. If you run the full signal through a sub you will lose a bit of openeness and detail. Although it works with other speakers, it is a complete waste to "relieve" the Spica's woofer in this repect because if you turn it up...i am sorry to say the tweeters will blow way before the woofer sounds strained.
You may consider a Janis sub if you can find one really cheap. It came in really nice finishes that match the Spica's and it really compliments the imaging of the Spica's by sonically disappearing. However "punchy" and "toe tapping" are not words to describe it.