Short answer: the JBL Stage 2 250B for better sound quality, the Micca RB42 for the lower price. The JBL Stage 2 250B ranks #30 of 56 bookshelf speakers at $349.95. The Micca RB42 ranks #41 at $159.99, $189.96 cheaper.
On the JBL Stage 2 250B side: Consistent, EQ-able dips in the frequency response mean the tonal issues are at least correctable if you’re willing to use equalization. Set against that: The reviewer was “even less enthusiastic” about this one than its disappointing floorstanding sibling.
The case for the Micca RB42: Curved cabinet fit and finish look closer to a $400-500 speaker than a $150 one. The tradeoff: CEA2034 spinorama shows significant peaks and valleys in the on-axis and listening-window response starting a few kHz up.
Buy the JBL Stage 2 250B if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Micca RB42 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Stage 2 250B | Micca RB42 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $349.95 | $159.99 |
| Ranked | #30 of 56 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #41 of 56 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 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) | 64Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 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 |
| Drivers | 1" anodized aluminum dome tweeter with HDI waveguide, 5.25" polycellulose woofer | 4" coated paper woofer, 0.75" silk dome tweeter |
| Weight | 12.3 lbs / 5.6 kg (12.4 lb) per pair | 6 lbs / 2.7 kg each (per retailer listing) |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | 80dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power | 75W RMS | - |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal, 3.3 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 4-8 ohms |
| Dimensions | 12.6"H x 7.9"W x 9.5"D (321.0 x 200.0 x 241.0 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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- JBL Stage 2 250B vs Pioneer SP-BS22-LR (Philharmonic AAM Mod)
- Q Acoustics 3020i vs Micca RB42
The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Stage 2 250B: $349.95 Amazon
Pros: Consistent, EQ-able dips in the frequency response mean the tonal issues are at least correctable if you’re willing to use equalization. Horizontal dispersion is reasonably wide and controlled (~50-60 degrees). The tweeter itself holds up fine under compression testing - it’s the midwoofer that gives out first.
Cons: The reviewer was “even less enthusiastic” about this one than its disappointing floorstanding sibling. A confusing, hard-to-place tonal signature - a lower-midrange dip creates a recessed, lacking-attack character that’s then partly offset by a rebound around 2-4kHz, so it reads as recessed and forward at different times depending on the material. Treble falls off sharply above 6-7kHz, same issue as the larger 280F. Multitone distortion at 96dB is genuinely poor - well over 3%, reportedly around 10% at some frequencies. Limited bass extension (F3 64Hz, F10 50Hz) means a subwoofer is basically required if used as main speakers. Compression sets in early on the bass/midwoofer at higher output. The reviewer explicitly recommends the similarly-priced Polk Reserve R200/R100 instead for anyone who wants a more linear, EQ-free sound.
Full JBL Stage 2 250B review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 64Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 12.6"H x 7.9"W x 9.5"D (321.0 x 200.0 x 241.0 mm) |
| Drivers | 1" anodized aluminum dome tweeter with HDI waveguide, 5.25" polycellulose woofer |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal, 3.3 ohms minimum (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Output Power | 75W RMS |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 12.3 lbs / 5.6 kg (12.4 lb) per pair |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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- JBL Stage 2 250B vs Pioneer SP-BS22-LR (Philharmonic AAM Mod)
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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