Short answer: the DAS Audio ARTEC 526A. It ranks #1 of 39 compact 5 to 6.5-inch pa speakers by sound quality, rated 4.1/5, at $2,700. The Alcons Audio VR5 V1 ranks #3, rated 4.0/5, at $2,300, $400 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
The DAS Audio ARTEC 526A is the more accurate pick. A powered compact PA speaker with twin 6 inch woofers and highly accurate, evenly spread sound. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 4.57 against 4.04 for the Alcons Audio VR5 V1. Watch for: Bass reaches only about 85Hz (-3dB), with 60Hz at -10dB, so a subwoofer is needed for music.
What the Alcons Audio VR5 V1 does well: A compact passive monitor with a ribbon tweeter and very accurate sound for near field and stage monitor use with a subwoofer. The catch: Bass reaches only about 80Hz (-3dB), and listening-window narrow-band deviation is 0.408, so a subwoofer is needed for music.
Buy the DAS Audio ARTEC 526A. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $400 with the Alcons Audio VR5 V1 does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
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Prices on this page were last checked November 7, 2026 at 7:34 PM 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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Specifications Side By Side
| DAS Audio ARTEC 526A | Alcons Audio VR5 V1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,700 | $2,300 Passive |
| Ranked | #1 of 39 in Compact 5 to 6.5-Inch PA Speakers | #3 of 39 in Compact 5 to 6.5-Inch PA Speakers |
| Passive | No | Yes |
| Configuration | Active 2-way full-range PA speaker | Passive 2-way compact monitor |
| Drivers | Dual 6” woofers, M-34 compression driver on BC-88 80° x 80° horn | 5” mid-bass with Active Coil, RBN202 pro-ribbon |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (-10dB, manufacturer specified) | - |
| Dimensions | 21.7”H x 7.7”W x 10.2”D (550 x 195 x 260 mm) | - |
| Inputs | Balanced XLR input, Speakon NL4 connector | - |
| Amplifier Power | 500W (Class D) | Passive speaker; requires external amplification (500W peak input to the ribbon section) |
| Cabinet Material | Birch plywood | - |
| Rigging | M10 flying points, AXW-1 and AXU-AR526 bracket compatible | 5 x M10 mounting points |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 85Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | 80Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Coverage | 80° x 80° | - |
| Maximum SPL | 125dB (manufacturer specified) | 127dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| DSP | Yes | No (passive) |
| Weight | 24.3 lbs (11.0 kg) | 13.2 lbs (6 kg) |
| Sensitivity | 93dB | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.57 | 4.04 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.70 | 7.06 |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| XLR Input | Yes | No |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Microphone Input | No | No |
| Guitar Input | No | No |
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