Short answer: the Revel Performa4 M145, if you are buying new. The Revel M105 ranks higher than the Micca RB42 (#15 vs #137 of 160 bookshelf speakers) but is discontinued; its replacement, the Revel Performa4 M145, is rated 4.3/5 at $1,999.95 and is still sold new.
Why pick the Micca RB42: Curved cabinet fit and finish look closer to a speaker costing three times as much. The tradeoff: 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.”
The Revel M105 is the more accurate, deeper-bass option. CEA2034 spinorama shows an essentially flat on-axis response with only a small 5kHz peak, a smooth listening window, and clean waterfall decay. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.76 against 4.59 for the Micca RB42. Its bass reaches about 63Hz before falling 3dB, against 85Hz for the Micca RB42. The catch: Low nominal impedance demands a capable amplifier that can handle low-impedance loads.
Buy the Revel Performa4 M145, the replacement for the discontinued Revel M105; it is rated higher for sound quality than the Micca RB42.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Micca RB42 | Revel M105 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $159.99 per pair | $1,500 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #137 of 160 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #15 of 160 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 | 63Hz (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 | 49.8Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Drivers | 4” coated paper woofer, 0.75” silk dome tweeter | 5.25” aluminum cone woofer, 1” aluminum tweeter with acoustic lens waveguide |
| Dimensions | 8.7H x 4.9W x 7.9D in | 14”H x 7.9”W x 9.8”D (355.6 x 200.7 x 248.9 mm) |
| Weight | 6 lbs (2.7 kg) each (per retailer listing) | 15.4 lbs (7 kg) each |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified, typical in-room) | 60Hz - 44kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 80dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Impedance | 4-8 ohms | 8 ohms nominal, low minimum |
| Power Handling | 15-100W each | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, front | ported, rear |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.59 | 5.76 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.87 | 8.18 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 9, 2026 at 8:01 AM 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
Same family: the Micca RB42-C (center, estimated 2.1/5).
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
Revel M105: $1,500 per pair Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Revel Performa4 M145, ranked higher, estimated 4.3/5.
Same family: the Revel M106 (larger bookshelf, rated 4.6/5), the Revel F206 (smaller floorstanding, rated 4.5/5), the Revel F208 (larger floorstanding, rated 4.5/5), the Revel Performa3 C205 (smaller center, rated 4.1/5) and the Revel Performa3 C208 (larger center, rated 4/5).
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows an essentially flat on-axis response with only a small 5kHz peak, a smooth listening window, and clean waterfall decay. Wide horizontal dispersion gives flexibility with toe-in. The reviewer called it reference-quality performance with minor EQ correction applied. Measured bass extension of 63Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 85dB.
Cons: Low nominal impedance demands a capable amplifier that can handle low-impedance loads. Bass distortion runs high in the 80-250Hz range from woofer displacement, and maximum output is limited compared to larger designs. Discontinued.
Full Revel M105 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 49.8Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 63Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 14”H x 7.9”W x 9.8”D (355.6 x 200.7 x 248.9 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.25” aluminum cone woofer, 1” aluminum tweeter with acoustic lens waveguide |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 44kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal, low minimum |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.76 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.18 |
| Weight | 15.4 lbs (7 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons