Short answer: the Micca RB42, if you are buying new. The Boston Acoustics A25 ranks higher than it (#59 vs #137 of 160 bookshelf speakers, 3.6/5 vs 2.3/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Micca RB42 is still sold new at $159.99.
The Micca RB42 is the more accurate choice. Curved cabinet fit and finish look closer to a speaker costing three times as much. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 4.59 against 3.53 for the Boston Acoustics A25. The tradeoff: 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.”
The Boston Acoustics A25 is the better-sounding choice. CEA2034 spinorama is decent once you ignore a peak around 900Hz and a dip around 3kHz: directivity is good enough that the response can be EQed and won’t be too room-dependent. The tradeoff: A crazy port resonance and a tweeter with a steeper rolloff than the woofer both show up in the near-field driver measurements, creating the 900Hz peak and the crossover-region dip.
Buy the Micca RB42 if you want one new; the Boston Acoustics A25 is discontinued, so only look for it used.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Micca RB42 | Boston Acoustics A25 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $159.99 per pair | $299.98 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #137 of 160 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #59 of 160 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| 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 | 90Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| 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 | 55Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Drivers | 4” coated paper woofer, 0.75” silk dome tweeter | 1” Kortec soft dome tweeter, 5.25” ceramic/glass-fiber polymer mid/woofer |
| Dimensions | 8.7H x 4.9W x 7.9D in | 10.7H x 7.25W x 8.9D in |
| Weight | 6 lbs (2.7 kg) each (per retailer listing) | 10.1 lbs (4.58 kg) each |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified, typical in-room) | 55Hz - 25kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 80dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Impedance | 4-8 ohms | 8 ohms nominal |
| Power Handling | 15-100W each | 10-150W recommended |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, front | ported, rear |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.59 | 3.53 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.87 | 6.19 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 9, 2026 at 8:01 AM 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
Micca RB42: $159.99 per pair Amazon eBay
Same family: the Micca RB42-C (center, estimated 2.1/5).
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 |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Boston Acoustics A25: $299.98 per pair Discontinued eBay
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama is decent once you ignore a peak around 900Hz and a dip around 3kHz: directivity is good enough that the response can be EQed and won’t be too room-dependent. Cabinet fit and finish is well above its price class, and dynamics were strong with no distortion audible even at high volume on well-recorded material. Discontinued, but the reviewer suggests hunting for clearance pricing on remaining stock. Measured bass extension of 90Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 85dB.
Cons: A crazy port resonance and a tweeter with a steeper rolloff than the woofer both show up in the near-field driver measurements, creating the 900Hz peak and the crossover-region dip. The rear port itself measured audibly distorted up close, though it wasn’t noticeable from normal listening distance in the reviewer’s room. Discontinued.
Full Boston Acoustics A25 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 55Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 90Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 10.7H x 7.25W x 8.9D in |
| Drivers | 1” Kortec soft dome tweeter, 5.25” ceramic/glass-fiber polymer mid/woofer |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 25kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal |
| Power Handling | 10-150W recommended |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.53 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.19 |
| Weight | 10.1 lbs (4.58 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
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