Short answer: the Micca RB42 for better sound quality, the Polk T15 for the lower price. The Micca RB42 ranks #41 of 56 bookshelf speakers at $159.99. The Polk T15 ranks #47 at $149, $10.99 cheaper.
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.
On the Polk T15 side: Extremely affordable 2-way design that actually measured better at +/-20 degrees vertical off-axis than directly on-axis. Set against that: Spinorama analysis reveals what Amir called a “horrific drop in upper mids/lower treble region of 3 to 6 kHz,” likely from tweeter-woofer phase cancellation directly on-axis.
Buy the Micca RB42 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Polk T15 if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Polk T15. It ranks near the bottom of the 56 bookshelf speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Micca RB42 | Polk T15 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $159.99 | $149.00 |
| Ranked | #41 of 56 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #47 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 | 0.75" tweeter, 5.25" woofer |
| Dimensions | 8.7H x 4.9W x 7.9D in | 10.63H x 6.5W x 7.25D in |
| Weight | 6 lbs / 2.7 kg each (per retailer listing) | 8.2 lbs / 3.74 kg each |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified, typical in-room) | 60Hz - 24kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 80dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Impedance | 4-8 ohms | 8 ohms nominal |
| Power Handling | 15-100W each | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, front | - |
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- Fluance Signature HFS vs JBL Control 1 Pro
- Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000 vs Klipsch R-41M
- Micca RB42 vs Klipsch R-41M
- JBL Control 1 Pro vs Polk T15
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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Polk T15: $149.00 Amazon
Pros: Extremely affordable 2-way design that actually measured better at +/-20 degrees vertical off-axis than directly on-axis. In near-field desktop use, the reviewer found the T15 “didn’t sound that horrible,” partly because nearby desk reflections mask the frequency response dip.
Cons: Spinorama analysis reveals what Amir called a “horrific drop in upper mids/lower treble region of 3 to 6 kHz,” likely from tweeter-woofer phase cancellation directly on-axis. Measured impedance ranges from 4-8 ohms, contradicting the specified 6-8 ohm range, and there’s a distortion peak around 400Hz. On- and off-axis response “vary a ton,” making listening position unusually important. The reviewer recommends saving up for the Pioneer SP-BS22-LR instead: “I can’t justify recommending the Polk T15 even though subjective performance was not horrible.”
Full Polk T15 review and specifications →
| Dimensions | 10.63H x 6.5W x 7.25D in |
|---|---|
| Drivers | 0.75" tweeter, 5.25" woofer |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 24kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal |
| Weight | 8.2 lbs / 3.74 kg each |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons