Short answer: the Micca RB42, narrowly, since both measure poorly, though neither ranks well in its class. The RB42’s curved cabinet looks closer to a $400-500 speaker than a $150 one, but its CEA2034 spinorama shows peaks and valleys in the on-axis and listening-window response from a few kHz up. The ProMonitor 1000 controls bass distortion and can be pushed hard for its size, yet it loses bass energy between 40-120Hz and resonates near 14kHz. 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. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000 and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Micca RB42 | Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $159.99 per pair | $498 per pair |
| Ranked | #75 of 90 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #82 of 90 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 | 95Hz (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 | 80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Drivers | 4” coated paper woofer, 0.75” silk dome tweeter | 1” aluminum dome tweeter, 5.25” BDSS mid/woofer, 5.25” planar bass radiator |
| Dimensions | 8.7H x 4.9W x 7.9D in | 10.88H x 6.25W x 6.5D in |
| Weight | 6 lbs (2.7 kg) each (per retailer listing) | 7.3 lbs (3.29 kg) each |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified, typical in-room) | 47Hz - 30kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 80dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) | 86dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review - reviewer noted this vs. a manufacturer spec of 91dB) |
| Impedance | 4-8 ohms | 8 ohms nominal |
| Power Handling | 15-100W each | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, front | passive radiator |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.59 | 3.2 (spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.87 | 6.58 (spinorama.org) |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
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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
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 |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000: $498 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: Bass distortion is well controlled per the measurements, and the slow bass rolloff means it can be pushed fairly hard for its size. Ships with a footer that keeps the small cabinet planted despite its light weight. Measured bass extension of 95Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 86dB.
Cons: CEA2034 spinorama shows severely reduced bass energy between 40-120Hz, a directivity mismatch between the tweeter and woofer, and a severe resonance/interference issue around 14kHz. Distortion at 96dB SPL was so bad the reviewer limited testing to 86dB. Direct comparison to a $118/pair Pioneer SP-BS22-LR left the reviewer calling the $249/pair ProMonitor 1000 “a bad experiment that should be forgotten” and concluding “there is nothing Pro about it.”
Full Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 95Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 10.88H x 6.25W x 6.5D in |
| Drivers | 1” aluminum dome tweeter, 5.25” BDSS mid/woofer, 5.25” planar bass radiator |
| Frequency Response | 47Hz - 30kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review - reviewer noted this vs. a manufacturer spec of 91dB) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.2 (spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.58 (spinorama.org) |
| Weight | 7.3 lbs (3.29 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | passive radiator |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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