The Spica brochure describes the TC-50 as a deceptively simple two-way loudspeaker based on a 6-1/2 inch acoustically suspended woofer and a 1 inch dome type tweeter. Its crossover network is truly state-of-the-art, in parts quality, circuit layout and, of course, design. The compact speaker is the result of exhaustive research and the latest technology in computer assisted optimization. Designer John Bau had indeed pushed the limits with tools available for the period, creating a time-aligned design with remarkable imaging qualities. Close tolerances were maintained during production and units were serialized to ensure a optimal left/right matching. Reviews:Absolute Sound Spica TC-50 May 1994, vol 19, issue 95 Audio Magazine Spica TC-50 March 1984  The Audio Critic Spica TC-50 No. 16 Spring / Fall 1991 International Audio Review Spica TC-50 (date not known)
Stereophile - February 1984, Spica TC-50 VII-2,
- November 1983, Spica TC-50 IX-5,
- January, 1988, Spica TC-50 XI-1,
- February 1988, Spica TC-50 XI-2,
- October 1989, Spica TC-50/TC-50i XII-10
- October 1991, Spica TC-50 XIV-10
- October 1993 Spica TC-50 XVI-9
- October 1989, Spica TC-50/TC-50i XII-10
Awards: Stereophile the Hot 100 Products, No. 75: Spica TC-50 loudspeaker
Bau's ugly ducking of a time-aligned two-way miniature showed that great sound could be produced from a speaker without the designer having to throw unlimited sums of money at the problems.
Specifications:Released: 1983, est. 20,000 total sold (post)
approx 7,500 TC-50's / 12,500 TC-50i
Description: Two-way, stand-mounted loudspeaker.
Drive-units: 1" soft-dome tweeter, 6.5" pulp-cone woofer.
Low-frequency alignment: sealed-box Q=0.78.
Crossover frequency: 2kHz.
Crossover: high-pass slope, approximately first-order, 6dB/octave; low-pass slope, fourth-order, 24dB/octave, Bessel; both drivers connected with the same polarity.
Frequency response: 60Hz-17kHz (-3dB).
Sensitivity: 84dB/W/m.
Nominal impedance: 4 ohms (3.6 ohms min. at 4kHz).
Amplifier requirements: 25-100W.
Maximum power handling: 50W continuous, 100W peak.
Dimensions: 15.5" (394mm) H x 13" (330mm) W x 11.6" (295mm) D
Weight: 20 lbs (9.07 kg) each.
Price: $420/pair (1984) / $450/pair (1986-1988); $550/pair in oak or walnut
Schematics:Replacement Drivers:In January 1988 Spica began shipping the revised TC-50 or TC50i (pictured). Easily identified by the shape of the felt surrounding the tweeter, early TC-50 units have a rectangle hole while revised units have a square hole. TC-50 (early) TC-50i (improved, pictured, post 1988) * The specs for HD 100 D25 and HIF 17JS 2 CA12 provide the correct response curves etc. however, the 4 ohm version of this driver was used in the TC-50. |
