Short answer: the Micca RB42. It ranks #41 of 56 bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $159.99; the JBL Control 1 Pro ranks #46 and costs $164, 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.
On the JBL Control 1 Pro side: Magnetically shielded transducers and a rugged molded enclosure make it a durable choice for wall-mount or install use, with SonicGuard overload protection built into the crossover. Set against that: Sound power and predicted in-room response measurements are badly uneven compared to the JBL 305P Mark II tested alongside it.
Buy the Micca RB42. It ranks higher for sound quality than the JBL Control 1 Pro and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the JBL Control 1 Pro. It ranks near the bottom of the 56 bookshelf speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Micca RB42 | JBL Control 1 Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $159.99 | $164 |
| Ranked | #41 of 56 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #46 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 | 55Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Drivers | 4" coated paper woofer, 0.75" silk dome tweeter | 5.25" low frequency driver, 0.75" polycarbonate dome tweeter |
| Dimensions | 8.7H x 4.9W x 7.9D in | 9.3H x 6.3W x 5.6D in |
| Weight | 6 lbs / 2.7 kg each (per retailer listing) | 4 lbs / 1.8 kg each |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified, typical in-room) | 80Hz - 20kHz -10dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 80dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) | 87dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Impedance | 4-8 ohms | 4 ohms |
| Power Handling | 15-100W each | 150W |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, front | sealed |
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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
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- Head-to-Head Comparisons
JBL Control 1 Pro: $164 Parts Express
Pros: Magnetically shielded transducers and a rugged molded enclosure make it a durable choice for wall-mount or install use, with SonicGuard overload protection built into the crossover. Feels solidly built despite the low price, and the professional crossover network uses steep slopes.
Cons: Sound power and predicted in-room response measurements are badly uneven compared to the JBL 305P Mark II tested alongside it, with no waveguide to control directivity as the woofer beams before handing off to the tweeter. The reviewer performed no distortion or dedicated listening test on this unit and concluded he didn’t “think there is a reason to purchase it” over a proper studio monitor at a similar price.
Full JBL Control 1 Pro review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 55Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 9.3H x 6.3W x 5.6D in |
| Drivers | 5.25" low frequency driver, 0.75" polycarbonate dome tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 80Hz - 20kHz -10dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms |
| Power Handling | 150W |
| Sensitivity | 87dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 4 lbs / 1.8 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | sealed |
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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