Short answer: the KEF Q100 for imaging, the Micca RB42 for finish on a tight budget, though neither ranks well in its class. The Q100’s 5.25” Uni-Q keeps its drivers point-source aligned, but its spinorama shows a 700Hz-1.5kHz lift, a 5kHz-and-up lift and a notch around 1.4kHz. The Micca’s curved cabinet looks far pricier than it is, yet its spinorama shows significant peaks and valleys from a few kHz up. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 90 bookshelf speakers; for better sound, the Ascend Acoustics HTM-200SE2 ranks #7 at $368.
Buy the Micca RB42 new; the KEF Q100 is no longer sold new, so it only makes sense as a used find.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| KEF Q100 | Micca RB42 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $550 per pair Discontinued | $159.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #71 of 90 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #75 of 90 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 85Hz (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) | 65Hz (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 |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) | 80dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal | 4-8 ohms |
| Frequency Response | 49Hz - 40kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified, typical in-room) |
| Drivers | 5.25” Uni-Q aluminum coaxial driver, 1” aluminum dome tweeter | 4” coated paper woofer, 0.75” silk dome tweeter |
| Weight | 13 lbs (5.9 kg) each | 6 lbs (2.7 kg) each (per retailer listing) |
| Dimensions | 11.8”H x 7.1”W x 10.7”D (300 x 180 x 272 mm) | 8.7H x 4.9W x 7.9D in |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported, front |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.96 (spinorama.org) | 4.59 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.24 (spinorama.org) | 6.87 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Power Handling | - | 15-100W each |
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More worthwhile head-to-heads for KEF Q100:
- KEF Q100 vs Ascend Sierra 1 v2
- KEF LS50 Meta vs KEF Q100
- KEF Q100 vs Arendal 1961 Monitor
- KEF Q100 vs Revel M105
- KEF Q100 vs Klipsch RP-500M II
Prices on this page were last checked October 2, 2026 at 10:18 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
KEF Q100: $550 per pair Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the KEF Q1 Meta, ranked higher, rated 3.6/5.
Pros: 5.25” Uni-Q coaxial driver keeps the tweeter and woofer point-source aligned for consistent imaging. 86dB sensitivity is reasonably easy to drive. Measured bass extension of 85Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 85dB.
Cons: CEA2034 spinorama shows broad, audible deviations from flat rather than narrow peaks: a lift from 700Hz-1.5kHz and again from 5kHz up, plus a cancellation notch around 1.4kHz from port/cabinet interaction. Bass sensitivity drops to about 80dB and impedance falls below 4 ohms in the bass, demanding a capable amplifier. The reviewer heard boomy, buzzing bass that improved somewhat with the port plugged, and could not recommend it, calling the famous reputation more about looks than sound. Discontinued.
Full KEF Q100 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 65Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 85Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 11.8”H x 7.1”W x 10.7”D (300 x 180 x 272 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.25” Uni-Q aluminum coaxial driver, 1” aluminum dome tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 49Hz - 40kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.96 (spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.24 (spinorama.org) |
| Weight | 13 lbs (5.9 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Micca RB42: $159.99 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: Curved cabinet fit and finish look closer to a speaker costing three times as much. Rated for a wide 15-100W amplifier range with 4-8 ohm compatibility, giving flexibility with modest amplification. Measured bass extension of 85Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 80dB.
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 |
| DIY Kit | No |
| 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) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.59 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.87 |
| Weight | 6 lbs (2.7 kg) each (per retailer listing) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, front |
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- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons