Short answer: the Pioneer SP-BS22-LR (Philharmonic AAM Mod) for better sound quality, the Micca RB42 for the lower price. The Pioneer SP-BS22-LR (Philharmonic AAM Mod) ranks #33 of 56 bookshelf speakers at $168. The Micca RB42 ranks #41 at $159.99, $8.01 cheaper.
What the Pioneer SP-BS22-LR (Philharmonic AAM Mod) gets right: This is Dennis Murphy’s “Affordable Accuracy Monitor” (AAM) mod of the discontinued. The catch: Some directivity error appears near the crossover frequency.
On the Micca RB42 side: Curved cabinet fit and finish look closer to a $400-500 speaker than a $150 one. Set against that: CEA2034 spinorama shows significant peaks and valleys in the on-axis and listening-window response starting a few kHz up.
Buy the Pioneer SP-BS22-LR (Philharmonic AAM Mod) if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Micca RB42 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Pioneer SP-BS22-LR (Philharmonic AAM Mod) | Micca RB42 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $168 | $159.99 |
| Ranked | #33 of 56 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #41 of 56 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 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) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 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 | 1x 4" curvilinear-cone woofer (stock Pioneer), 1x Peerless BC25TG15 1" silk dome tweeter (replacement) | 4" coated paper woofer, 0.75" silk dome tweeter |
| Weight | 9 lbs / 4.1 kg | 6 lbs / 2.7 kg each (per retailer listing) |
| Sensitivity | 83dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Audio Science Review) | 80dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (approx. 5 ohms minimum, measured by Audio Science Review) | 4-8 ohms |
| Crossover Frequency | 3000Hz | - |
| Dimensions | 12.6"H x 7.1"W x 8.5"D (320.0 x 180.0 x 215.0 mm) | 8.7H x 4.9W x 7.9D in |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported, front |
| Frequency Response | - | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified, typical in-room) |
| Power Handling | - | 15-100W each |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Pioneer SP-BS22-LR (Philharmonic AAM Mod): $168
Pros: This is Dennis Murphy’s “Affordable Accuracy Monitor” (AAM) mod of the discontinued, budget Pioneer SP-BS22-LR: the stock tweeter is swapped for a Peerless BC25TG15 dome and a redesigned 3rd-order crossover is built to match it to the stock 4” woofer. CEA2034 spinorama shows only small variations from a flat on-axis response with some directivity error near the crossover, a marked improvement over the unmodified Pioneer, which the reviewer notes shows much more variation from flat. Distortion at 86dB SPL/1m is reasonably controlled above 200Hz, and tweeter distortion barely rises even at 96dB SPL/1m.
Cons: Some directivity error appears near the crossover frequency. Distortion climbs in the woofer’s range (below 200Hz) at both 86dB and 96dB SPL/1m. Minimum impedance dips to about 5 ohms with a couple of resonance peaks. This is a DIY project, not a finished retail product: Murphy sold ~$168 pre-built pairs for a while but no longer does, so it now requires sourcing a used/discontinued Pioneer SP-BS22-LR pair plus building the crossover and swapping the tweeter yourself. The mod itself is public domain, but there is no current turnkey way to buy this speaker.
Full Pioneer SP-BS22-LR (Philharmonic AAM Mod) review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Crossover Frequency | 3000Hz |
| Dimensions | 12.6"H x 7.1"W x 8.5"D (320.0 x 180.0 x 215.0 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 4" curvilinear-cone woofer (stock Pioneer), 1x Peerless BC25TG15 1" silk dome tweeter (replacement) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (approx. 5 ohms minimum, measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Sensitivity | 83dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 9 lbs / 4.1 kg |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
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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 |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons