Short answer: the JBL Stage A120 for better sound quality, the Micca RB42 for the lower price. The JBL Stage A120 ranks #36 of 56 bookshelf speakers at $299. The Micca RB42 ranks #41 at $159.99, $139.01 cheaper.
The case for the JBL Stage A120: Comes with a port bung, letting you experiment between ported and sealed configurations - the reviewer found the sound improved somewhat with the port sealed. The tradeoff: A pronounced “Batman”-shaped frequency response: boosted bass, a scooped midrange, and elevated treble (about 3-4dB above the midrange), driven partly by confirmed cabinet panel resonance around 800Hz-1.7kHz.
What the Micca RB42 gets right: Curved cabinet fit and finish look closer to a $400-500 speaker than a $150 one. The catch: CEA2034 spinorama shows significant peaks and valleys in the on-axis and listening-window response starting a few kHz up.
Buy the JBL Stage A120 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 A120 | Micca RB42 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299 Discontinued | $159.99 |
| Ranked | #36 of 56 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #41 of 56 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Drivers | 0.75" tweeter + 5" woofer | 4" coated paper woofer, 0.75" silk dome tweeter |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| Weight | 10.6 lbs / 4.8 kg | 6 lbs / 2.7 kg each (per retailer listing) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | ported, front |
| Sensitivity | 83dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 80dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms | 4-8 ohms |
| Dimensions | 11.3"H x 6.8"W x 7.4"D (285.8 x 171.5 x 188.9 mm) | 8.7H x 4.9W x 7.9D in |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 71Hz (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 |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53Hz (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 |
| Frequency Response | - | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified, typical in-room) |
| Power Handling | - | 15-100W each |
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The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Stage A120: $299 Discontinued
Pros: Comes with a port bung, letting you experiment between ported and sealed configurations - the reviewer found the sound improved somewhat with the port sealed. Distortion at 96dB is broadly comparable to competitors in this price range outside of some elevated low-end THD. Wide horizontal radiation pattern for a compact bookshelf speaker in the low-to-midrange.
Cons: A pronounced “Batman”-shaped frequency response: boosted bass, a scooped midrange, and elevated treble (about 3-4dB above the midrange), driven partly by confirmed cabinet panel resonance around 800Hz-1.7kHz. Directivity shows significant back-to-back peaks and dips, making the speaker harder to correct with EQ since the off-axis sound doesn’t track the direct sound cleanly. Elevated treble that some might call “detailed” reads as an unwelcome boost to the reviewer rather than genuine resolution. Compression testing shows the low end degrading substantially at high output (102dB). Overall considered one of the weaker speakers the reviewer has tested in this class, with a competing model (Emotiva Airmotiv B1+) recommended instead at a similar price. Discontinued.
Full JBL Stage A120 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 71Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 11.3"H x 6.8"W x 7.4"D (285.8 x 171.5 x 188.9 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 0.75" tweeter + 5" woofer |
| Impedance | 6 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 83dB (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 10.6 lbs / 4.8 kg |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported |
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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.
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