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Bookshelf Speaker

KEF Q150 vs Micca PB42X

Budget Pick

in Bookshelf Speaker

KEF Q150

119 reviews

View Product Details

Micca PB42X

70 reviews

View Product Details

Great sound quality with detail, full soundstage, and volume without distortion

Sharp and expensive-looking design

Recommended by many users, especially when purchased on sale

Compared favorably to other speakers, including the ELAC UB5 and Klipsch R51

Compatible with various amplifiers and streaming devices

Great sound quality for the price

Advanced features such as built-in crossovers

Compact size and style

Good value for the price

Require some time to break in, but sound quality improves after use

Not enough bass for some users

Some users note disappointment with the build quality

Price may be too high for some users, but many recommend purchasing on sale

Not ideal for very loud volumes

Some reviewers have experienced issues with sound cutting out at louder volumes

Limited sound quality potential when used with a modest amp

Verdict

Overall, the KEF Q150 speakers receive positive reviews for their sound quality, with many users impressed by their detail, full soundstage, and volume without distortion. Some users note that the speakers lack bass, while others mention disappointment with the build quality. However, many users recommend the speakers, especially when purchased on sale. The KEF Q150 is compared favorably to other speakers, including the ELAC UB5 and Klipsch R51. Users also mention various amplifiers and streaming devices used to power the speakers.

Verdict

The Micca PB42X speakers are highly recommended by many reviewers for their quality sound and affordable price. They are praised for their advanced features such as built-in crossovers and their compact size and style. Some reviewers have experienced issues with sound cutting out at louder volumes, but overall, the speakers are considered a great value for the price. The speakers require some time to break in, but the sound quality is improved after a few hours of use. Overall, the Micca PB42X speakers are a great choice for those on a budget who want high-quality sound.

Reviews by Topic

Our analysis shows how reviewers feel about different topics. Please note these are not full reviews.

Sound Quality

Build quality not impressive - prefer Klipsch rp-500m

This are very smooth sounding speakers - they will never sound shrill or fatiguing. The flip side of this is the treble is not as detailed and exciting as other speakers. I own the Klipsch RP-500M and I prefer those speakers overall, and I think a lot of people would. If you can find the Klipsch for a similar price, they sound more clear, exciting, and dynamic

Micca MB42 review: Compact, stylish speakers on the cheap

5cm) woofer and the MB42 just a 4-inch (10cm) woofer, but even so, their bass prowess was about the same.The MBS-650s' size advantage was most obvious when we played Queens of the Stone Age's "Songs for the Deaf" album loud. With the volume pushed up, the MB42s sounded strained in the larger CNET listening room. If you're looking for speakers to rock out in medium and larger rooms, you can't get by with the petite MB42s

Positive

Connectivity

Nice value for $300

Bought these and the Elac Uni-Fi UB5 to compare them. Bought them both at discounts. Paid $300 during a sale for these. I think the overall the Elac sounds better but these aren't bad

youtube

Micca PB42X | Powered Bookshelf Speaker Review | Under $150 | (They are awesome!)

Definitely let me know in the comments down below and I will I'll definitely do that until next time. My name is Josh and thank you very much for watc...

Positive

Price

youtube

KEF Q-150 Bookshelf Speaker Review. Best for lovers of wide imaging.

It does seem to look a little bit like a five year old took a paintbrush to it when you get up close - and i wouldn't be the first person to say that ...

Positive

Clean, tight, present, and very forward-sounding - but no authority at all. These are going back.

.it was time to look for an audiophile bargain that would satisfy my need for clarity/transparency and good sound stage. I started looking for the old Radio Shack Minimus 7 speakers (now discountinued)

Design

youtube

Better than the LS50!? KEF Q150 Review

I like fake wood, it's nice, it's got some grain in it. It's well appointed. I like the little kef badging. It looks good uh anyway, uh five and a qua...

Positive

They arrived securely packed and in perfect condition. I like the simple design and appearance

Their arrival was highly anticipated. First impression was positive. They arrived securely packed and in perfect condition. I like the simple design and appearance

Bass

youtube

KEF Q150 Bookshelf Speakers - Hands On Review

The key 150 are a smoother sound in the mid-range and bass, delivering detail a bit on the sly with more body a little bit more resonance too. That ma...

Positive

. I like the C91 better at this price, but these have more bass and are not as bright.

Positive

reddit.com/r/BudgetAudiophile

Size

Great for Smaller Room

Would I recommend them? Yes, BUT - small room and with something to cover the bottom two octaves (subwoofer). My priorities for good sound, a decent soundstage, stable imaging, dynamic range, and lack of coloration were satisfied. And I would buy them again, or possibly - if She Who Must Be Obeyed (aka "the Finance Committee") was willing - the KEF LS50s.

far exceeding expectations

Once you turn up the volume it all starts to die. These won't work in a big room. No way. Even a mid-size living room, you'll find the limit right around "loud"

Wireless Connectivity

Rich sounding loudspeakers that can really slap

I'm running these off an smsl ao200 amp via a Schitt Modi 3+ dac and an ifi zen blue bluetooth receiver. I am pleased as can be. Some have said these start to chuff at high volume but I've taken them to the height of comfortable listening levels where I can clearly see the woofers moving and all I can hear is clean and clear music full of clarity, power and refinement. They'd pair best with a revealing amp for sure

Great Job. Great design.

After break in and with the volume at the right level these puppies are warm and rich enough. I'm listening them right now to "Space Station Soma" on SomaFM internet radio station and this station and all music is simply wonderful sonic pleasure. These are superbly engineered speakers. Nowadays I'm using these through a Pyle PAMP2000BT Bluetooth amp/switch pumping bluetooth to them through a Galaxy S6

Mids

Worth every penny

I have a small living room, it's about 20 L x 13 ft W and these fill the entire area plus the kitchen with amazing sound at normal listening levels. You really have to run these about 50 hours or more to open them up and give some space from the wall as advised by Kef. I won't mention brands but I did return two sets of speakers before deciding to keep these, the uni-q driver works it's special magic to broaden the soundstage and imaging. With the Powernode the mids are so clear and the highs are smooth never shrill or annoying

Good and slowly getting better

While they lack the midrange clarity of the Polks they are well-balanced and listenable, plus they look great with the grilles on or off. Hard-core audiophiles may be annoyed by their flaws (which I'm still hopeful will fade over time) but in our setup they sound just fine. UPDATE: A few weeks later and the lower midrange bump I hear on close-miked male vocals continues to subside. But it's very source-dependent

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