Short answer: the ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 for better sound quality, the Micca RB42 for the lower price. The ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 ranks #37 of 56 bookshelf speakers at $599. The Micca RB42 ranks #41 at $159.99, $439.01 cheaper.
On the ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 side: Wide, smooth horizontal directivity - beamwidth holds to about ±60 degrees up to 8kHz before narrowing. Set against that: Dipped 3db from 1.5-3khz.
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 Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 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 Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 | Micca RB42 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $599.00 | $159.99 |
| Ranked | #37 of 56 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #41 of 56 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Crossover Frequency | 200Hz / 2000Hz | - |
| Dimensions | 13.6"H x 7.3"W x 10.8"D (346 x 185 x 275 mm) | 8.7H x 4.9W x 7.9D in |
| Impedance | 6 ohms | 4-8 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 83.3dB (measured by Audio Science Review; 85dB manufacturer specified) | 80dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Drivers | 5.25" aluminum woofer, 4" aluminum midrange, 1" soft dome tweeter | 4" coated paper woofer, 0.75" silk dome tweeter |
| Power Handling | 140W max | 15-100W each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | ported, front |
| Weight | 7.7 lbs / 3.5 kg | 6 lbs / 2.7 kg each (per retailer listing) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55.7Hz (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) | - | 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 |
| Frequency Response | - | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified, typical in-room) |
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- ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 vs JBL Control 1 Pro
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The Two Speakers In Full
ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52: $599.00 Amazon
Pros: Wide, smooth horizontal directivity - beamwidth holds to about ±60 degrees up to 8kHz before narrowing. Vertical directivity is substantially better than average, giving more listening-height leeway than most two-way bookshelf speakers.
Cons: Dipped 3db from 1.5-3khz. On-axis response shelves down above 1.5kHz along with multiple resonances, leading the reviewer to predict it will “likely sound dull.” Nasty resonance at 600hz - audible as an actual buzzing artifact on some recordings (the reviewer demonstrated it with an Eva Cassidy track), and it shows up as a sharp distortion spike exceeding 4% at 585Hz when driven to 96dB SPL/1m. Not recommended.
Full ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Crossover Frequency | 200Hz / 2000Hz |
| Dimensions | 13.6"H x 7.3"W x 10.8"D (346 x 185 x 275 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.25" aluminum woofer, 4" aluminum midrange, 1" soft dome tweeter |
| Impedance | 6 ohms |
| Power Handling | 140W max |
| Sensitivity | 83.3dB (measured by Audio Science Review; 85dB manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 7.7 lbs / 3.5 kg |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 vs KEF Q100
- ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 vs JBL Stage A120
- ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 vs Q Acoustics 3020i
- ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 vs JBL L52 Classic
- ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 vs Pioneer SP-BS22-LR (Philharmonic AAM Mod)
- ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 vs Q Acoustics 5020
- ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 vs Dynaudio X14
- ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 vs Acoustic Energy AE100 Mk2
- See all 22 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.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons