Short answer: the Micca RB42. It ranks #41 of 56 bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $159.99; the Pioneer Elite SP-EBS73-LR ranks #51 and costs $749, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the Micca RB42 gets right: Curved cabinet fit and finish look closer to a $400-500 speaker than a $150 one. The catch: CEA2034 spinorama shows significant peaks and valleys in the on-axis and listening-window response starting a few kHz up.
What the Pioneer Elite SP-EBS73-LR offers: Unique dual-driver design combines a front-facing 3-way speaker with an up-firing 2-way Dolby Atmos coaxial driver in one cabinet, designed by Andrew Jones. Watch for: A wide dip between 3-10kHz makes the front speaker sound “somewhat dull” without EQ, and impedance dips below 4 ohms demand a capable amplifier.
Buy the Micca RB42. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Pioneer Elite SP-EBS73-LR and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Pioneer Elite SP-EBS73-LR. It ranks near the bottom of the 56 bookshelf speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Micca RB42 | Pioneer Elite SP-EBS73-LR | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $159.99 | $749 pair, discontinued |
| Ranked | #41 of 56 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #51 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 | - |
| 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 | - |
| Drivers | 4" coated paper woofer, 0.75" silk dome tweeter | 5.25" aluminum-cone woofer, 2x 4" aluminum-cone midrange, 2x 1" silk dome tweeter (front 3-way + up-firing 2-way Atmos coaxial) |
| Dimensions | 8.7H x 4.9W x 7.9D in | 15.7H x 7.4W x 9.7D in |
| Weight | 6 lbs / 2.7 kg each (per retailer listing) | 15.7 lbs / 7.1 kg each |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified, typical in-room) | - |
| Sensitivity | 80dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) | 85dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 4-8 ohms | below 4 ohms minimum |
| Power Handling | 15-100W each | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, front | - |
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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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Pioneer Elite SP-EBS73-LR: $749 pair, discontinued
Pros: Unique dual-driver design combines a front-facing 3-way speaker with an up-firing 2-way Dolby Atmos coaxial driver in one cabinet, designed by Andrew Jones. With corrective EQ applied, the reviewer found “substantially more brilliance and detail,” and the up-firing Atmos driver produced “remarkable” spatial effects from a single box.
Cons: A wide dip between 3-10kHz makes the front speaker sound “somewhat dull” without EQ, and impedance dips below 4 ohms demand a capable amplifier. Distortion is elevated at the crossover points, around 180Hz and 2600Hz. Amir concluded: “The hole in frequency response and high distortion around the crossover point rule out this speaker for any kind of hifi use, certainly at these prices.” Long discontinued.
Full Pioneer Elite SP-EBS73-LR review and specifications →
| Dimensions | 15.7H x 7.4W x 9.7D in |
|---|---|
| Drivers | 5.25" aluminum-cone woofer, 2x 4" aluminum-cone midrange, 2x 1" silk dome tweeter (front 3-way + up-firing 2-way Atmos coaxial) |
| Impedance | below 4 ohms minimum |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 15.7 lbs / 7.1 kg each |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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