Micca RB42-C vs. Wharfedale Denton 85th

Micca RB42-C Center Channel Speaker Wharfedale Denton 85th Anniversary Bookshelf Speakers
MSRP
$90 $1000
Dimensions (H × W × D)
5.20” × 14.80” × 8.30”
132mm × 376mm × 211mm
13.44” × 9.44” × 11.94”
341mm × 240mm × 303mm
Power Type
Passive Passive
Frequency Response
50-20,000 Hz 45-20,000 Hz
Amazon.com
Amazon.com

Speaker Comparison

When it comes to building a home audio system, the center channel speaker plays a pivotal role in delivering clear and precise dialogue, anchoring the soundstage in a multi-channel setup. The Micca RB42-C center channel speaker is a compact option designed to bring a balanced and full-bodied sound to your living room without consuming much space. In contrast, the Wharfedale Denton 85th Anniversary Bookshelf Speakers are not center channel speakers, but rather, a pair of bookshelf speakers that celebrate the British manufacturer's longstanding tradition in high-fidelity audio, tailored for stereo listening or as part of a larger system. Let's dive deeper into how these two contenders stand up against each other.

Design and Build

The Micca RB42-C boasts a sleek, black wood grain finish that makes it easy to integrate into most home theater setups. It’s unobtrusive and utilitarian in design, with a focus on functionality over flair. Conversely, the Wharfedale Denton 85th represents a celebration of tradition with its classic look that pays homage to the original Denton. The anniversary edition comes with an updated tweeter and redesigned crossover, all packaged in a beautifully veneered mahogany finish that exudes a sense of heritage and warmth. The construction of both speakers is robust, but the Wharfedale's exemplary finish and retro appeal might just edge it out for enthusiasts who value aesthetics as much as sound.

Micca RB42-C Center Channel Speaker
Micca RB42-C arrow (at Amazon.com)

Sound Quality

Sound-wise, the Micca RB42-C is surprisingly weighty given its compact size. Its dual 4-inch woofers and silk dome tweeter are engineered to produce a well-balanced sound with a clear midrange - essential for discerning dialogue in movies and TV shows. The sound is direct and precise, which is what you want from a center channel. The Wharfedale Dentons, on the other hand, have a lush, warm sound signature that is often associated with British hi-fi. Equipped with a 6.5-inch woven Kevlar woofer and a soft dome tweeter, they deliver a broad, enveloping soundstage and rich tonality that can breathe life into any genre of music, making them ideal for stand-alone stereo setups or as part of a surround sound system.

Both speakers perform admirably within their respective domains, but the comparison is admittedly a little apples to oranges. The Dentons' larger drivers and sophisticated cabinet design allow for greater bass extension and a more immersive listening experience. Meanwhile, the RB42-C's strengths lie in its focused audio dispersion and vocal clarity, which are essential for its role in a home theater system. It’s also worth mentioning that the RB42-C is designed to pair with other speakers in Micca's lineup, ensuring a cohesive sound across different channels.

Wharfedale Denton 85th Anniversary Bookshelf Speakers
Wharfedale Denton 85th arrow (at Amazon.com)

Compatibility and Usage

Compatibility with existing audio equipment could sway a buyer's decision. The RB42-C, with its easy to drive 4-ohm impedance and sensitivity of 86dB, can be paired with a wide range of AV receivers, making it a versatile choice for various setups. The Dentons, though, with a nominal impedance of 6 ohms and a sensitivity of 88dB, also promise compatibility with a variety of amplification systems, albeit requiring a bit more power to truly shine. The Dentons are inherently more flexible in terms of placement and usage, functioning well in both stereo and surround sound configurations, whereas the RB42-C is specifically designed to excel as a center channel.

For a dedicated home theater enthusiast, the Micca RB42-C's specialization as a center channel speaker could be its strongest selling point. It's designed to anchor the dialogue and action to the screen, ensuring a seamless integration with left and right channels. The Wharfedale Dentons, while exceptional as bookshelf speakers in a stereo setup, are also a great complement to a home theater system but might require careful matching with a center channel speaker from the same series for optimal performance.

Value Proposition

When it comes down to value, both the Micca RB42-C and the Wharfedale Denton 85th Anniversary bookshelf speakers offer compelling propositions, but in different ways. The RB42-C is highly affordable, making it accessible to a wider audience who might be building their first home theater system. The Dentons, while noticeably higher in price, justify that cost with superior craftsmanship and an exquisite sound that pays tribute to 85 years of audio excellence. Ultimately, the choice between the two would hinge on the user’s specific needs - whether it’s the critical role of a center channel speaker or the all-around performance of a pair of high-fidelity bookshelf speakers.

In conclusion, the Micca RB42-C and the Wharfedale Denton 85th Anniversary bookshelf speakers serve distinct purposes in the audio landscape. The RB42-C is an excellent choice for those in search of a capable and compact center channel speaker, while the Denton 85th Anniversary speakers are an investment in audiophile-grade stereo listening. Both offer a rewarding audio experience, but your final selection will inevitably be guided by the nature of your system, your aesthetic preferences, and of course, the types of soundscapes you wish to create in your personal listening environment.


Check Current Prices:

Micca RB42-C Center Channel Speaker
Micca RB42-C Center Channel Speaker
Wharfedale Denton 85th Anniversary Bookshelf Speakers
Wharfedale Denton 85th Anniversary Bookshelf Speakers
Amazon.com
Amazon.com

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Disclaimer: the speaker data listed on this website are correct to the best of our knowledge, but we do not guarantee the accuracy of the data. Please double-check any measurements with the manufacturer before making a final purchasing decision.