Short answer: the ELAC BS U5 for better sound quality, the Micca RB42 for the lower price. The ELAC BS U5 ranks #29 of 56 bookshelf speakers at $856. The Micca RB42 ranks #41 at $159.99, $696.01 cheaper.
What the ELAC BS U5 gets right: This slim three-way coaxial design (an Andrew Jones creation) shows a fairly even on-axis response up to 3kHz, with off-axis behavior notably smoother than the on-axis curve. The catch: Distortion is very high right at both crossover points - around 270Hz (mid-range) and 2700Hz (tweeter) - at both 86dB and 96dB SPL/1m, exceeding 3% at the mid-range crossover.
What the Micca RB42 offers: Curved cabinet fit and finish look closer to a $400-500 speaker than a $150 one. Watch for: CEA2034 spinorama shows significant peaks and valleys in the on-axis and listening-window response starting a few kHz up.
Buy the ELAC BS U5 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Micca RB42 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| ELAC BS U5 | Micca RB42 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $856 Discontinued | $159.99 |
| Ranked | #29 of 56 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #41 of 56 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 85Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) - the reviewer noted an artificial boost around 100-300Hz, so true extension may be worse than this on-axis reading suggests |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 62Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) - the reviewer noted an artificial boost around 100-300Hz, so true extension may be worse than this on-axis reading suggests |
| Drivers | 1" tweeter + 5.25" woofer | 4" coated paper woofer, 0.75" silk dome tweeter |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| Weight | 13.2 lbs / 6 kg | 6 lbs / 2.7 kg each (per retailer listing) |
| Sensitivity | 83dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) | 80dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (3.4 ohms minimum) | 4-8 ohms |
| Dimensions | 13.4"H x 7"W x 11.5"D (339.1 x 178.0 x 293.1 mm) | 8.7H x 4.9W x 7.9D in |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported, front |
| Frequency Response | - | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified, typical in-room) |
| Power Handling | - | 15-100W each |
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- Sony SS-CS5 M2 vs Dynaudio Emit M10
- JBL Stage 2 250B vs ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52
- ELAC BS U5 vs Pioneer SP-BS22-LR (Philharmonic AAM Mod)
- Sony SS-CS5 M2 vs ELAC BS U5
The Two Speakers In Full
ELAC BS U5: $856 Discontinued
Pros: This slim three-way coaxial design (an Andrew Jones creation) shows a fairly even on-axis response up to 3kHz, with off-axis behavior notably smoother than the on-axis curve. Predicted in-room response looks like it should give good tonality. Vertical directivity is better than average, a benefit of the coaxial layout.
Cons: Distortion is very high right at both crossover points - around 270Hz (mid-range) and 2700Hz (tweeter) - at both 86dB and 96dB SPL/1m, exceeding 3% at the mid-range crossover. Minimum impedance dips to 3.4 ohms with a possible resonance around 500Hz visible in the impedance/phase curve. Discontinued.
Full ELAC BS U5 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 13.4"H x 7"W x 11.5"D (339.1 x 178.0 x 293.1 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 1" tweeter + 5.25" woofer |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (3.4 ohms minimum) |
| Sensitivity | 83dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 13.2 lbs / 6 kg |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
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- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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- ELAC BS U5 vs Dynaudio X14
- ELAC BS U5 vs Paradigm Monitor SE Atom
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- ELAC BS U5 vs Pioneer SP-BS22-LR (Philharmonic AAM Mod)
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- See all 19 comparisons
Micca RB42: $159.99 Amazon
Pros: Curved cabinet fit and finish look closer to a $400-500 speaker than a $150 one. Rated for a wide 15-100W amplifier range with 4-8 ohm compatibility, giving flexibility with modest amplification.
Cons: CEA2034 spinorama shows significant peaks and valleys in the on-axis and listening-window response starting a few kHz up, with excess high-frequency energy the reviewer found fatiguing over time despite an initial impression of “detail.” Off-axis response diverges heavily from on-axis, meaning tonality shifts with room and listening position in ways EQ can’t correct. Distorts and the woofer visibly flaps under moderate volume; low 83dB sensitivity makes it a harder amplifier load than its size suggests.
Full Micca RB42 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 62Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) - the reviewer noted an artificial boost around 100-300Hz, so true extension may be worse than this on-axis reading suggests |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 85Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) - the reviewer noted an artificial boost around 100-300Hz, so true extension may be worse than this on-axis reading suggests |
| Dimensions | 8.7H x 4.9W x 7.9D in |
| Drivers | 4" coated paper woofer, 0.75" silk dome tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified, typical in-room) |
| Impedance | 4-8 ohms |
| Power Handling | 15-100W each |
| Sensitivity | 80dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 6 lbs / 2.7 kg each (per retailer listing) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, front |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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