Spica TC-50/REL Strata II vs. GMA Europa?


Spica revisited... I am considering an upgrade to my existing Spica TC-50's. Should I add the REL sub or replace the Spica's with the GMA's? What do you think of the Spica's for rock music. I feel the same as some others who have feelt their 'taste' in music change with the Spica's only to realize they were missing certain music when played thru different speakers. I am using a vintage tube reciever and CAL Sigma II DAC.
Thanks for your advice.
Dave
dakajoba
Thanks so for the responses so far. I would not say I listen primarily to rock, as I prefer more acoustic music, but I find I don't enjoy rock like I used to thru other speakers. In terms of sound quality, I much prefer the Spica's to the Vandersteen 1B which I owned for a short time. For me, in my system and listening environment, the Spica sounded much more natural and was able to draw me into the music much more effortlessly. The vocals and sounstage are particularly attractive. I'm looking for the same with a fuller range sound.
If you really like the Spicas and just want them to play louder and "rock" a little more, it wouldn't be crazy to pick up a reasonably priced pair of TC-60's. They're ported and so have more punch than the 50's, I believe replacement drivers are still obtainable, and they were John Bau's personal favorite of his own line. If they don't do it for you, you can easily resell them for what you paid.
First, to answer your question. There was a Kinergetics Subwoofer/amp and stand set made for the Spica TC-50s that fixed many of the problems that speaker had/has. Paired up it was one of the most holographic and musical speaker systems of the early 1990s. Yes, it rocked too. Unfortunately, they're hard to find and still expensive.

For the money, you're much better off getting a pair of newer Vandersteen 2CE Signatures. They'll provide better sound for the same cost as the Spica/Kinergetics combo. They're also not as fragile and have a support system in place.

Either way, you'll be happy I think. I hope this helps!