Short answer: the Micca RB42. It ranks #41 of 56 bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $159.99; the Fluance Signature HFS ranks #45 and costs $199.99, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
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.
What the Fluance Signature HFS gets right: Front-facing port and pre-installed wall-mount brackets make it flexible for bookshelf or surround/height duty. The catch: CEA2034 spinorama shows serious flaws in the midrange - both the direct sound and the directivity are compromised, a combination the reviewer flagged as poor for controlled listening tests.
Buy the Micca RB42. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Fluance Signature HFS and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Fluance Signature HFS. It ranks near the bottom of the 56 bookshelf speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Micca RB42 | Fluance Signature HFS | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $159.99 | $199.99 |
| Ranked | #41 of 56 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #45 of 56 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 | 78Hz (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 | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Drivers | 4" coated paper woofer, 0.75" silk dome tweeter | 1" neodymium silk dome tweeter (ferrofluid cooled), 5" glass-fiber-treated woofer (butyl rubber surround) |
| Dimensions | 8.7H x 4.9W x 7.9D in | 12.8H x 7.87W x 8.22D in |
| Weight | 6 lbs / 2.7 kg each (per retailer listing) | 9.7 lbs each |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified, typical in-room) | - |
| Sensitivity | 80dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) | 86dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Impedance | 4-8 ohms | 8 ohms |
| Power Handling | 15-100W each | 30-120W recommended |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, front | ported, front |
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- JBL Control 1 Pro vs Polk T15
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- Fluance Signature HFS vs JBL Control 1 Pro
- Pioneer SP-BS22-LR (Philharmonic AAM Mod) vs Fluance Signature HFS
The Two Speakers In Full
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 |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Fluance Signature HFS: $199.99 Amazon
Pros: Front-facing port and pre-installed wall-mount brackets make it flexible for bookshelf or surround/height duty. Distortion in the low end is well controlled per the measurements, and the glossy front baffle adds a touch of style well beyond the budget price.
Cons: CEA2034 spinorama shows serious flaws in the midrange - both the direct sound and the directivity are compromised, a combination the reviewer flagged as poor for controlled listening tests. Multiple attempted EQ fixes “could not rescue” the sound, and the reviewer said the result was “close” to the lowest possible rating. Online reviews seeded by the company were positive; the reviewer’s measured and subjective experience was not.
Full Fluance Signature HFS review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 12.8H x 7.87W x 8.22D in |
| Drivers | 1" neodymium silk dome tweeter (ferrofluid cooled), 5" glass-fiber-treated woofer (butyl rubber surround) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms |
| Power Handling | 30-120W recommended |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 9.7 lbs each |
| 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
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- Fluance Signature HFS vs JBL Stage A130
- Fluance Signature HFS vs Polk T15
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