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 DAS Audio ARTEC 506A ranks #2, rated 4.0/5, at $2,180.25, $519.75 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
The case for the DAS Audio ARTEC 526A: A powered compact PA speaker with twin 6 inch woofers and highly accurate, evenly spread sound. The catch: Bass reaches only about 85Hz (-3dB), with 60Hz at -10dB, so a subwoofer is needed for music.
Why pick the DAS Audio ARTEC 506A: A powered 6 inch installation speaker with highly accurate sound and wide coverage in a light birch cabinet, best paired with a subwoofer. Watch for: Bass reaches only about 88Hz (-3dB), with 65Hz at -10dB, so it needs a subwoofer for anything but speech and background music.
Buy the DAS Audio ARTEC 526A. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $519.75 saving on the DAS Audio ARTEC 506A is not enough to make up the difference.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete PA & Live Sound rankings.
Prices on this page were last checked November 11, 2026 at 3:26 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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Specifications Side By Side
| DAS Audio ARTEC 526A | DAS Audio ARTEC 506A | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,700 | $2,180.25 |
| Ranked | #1 of 39 in Compact 5 to 6.5-Inch PA Speakers | #2 of 39 in Compact 5 to 6.5-Inch PA Speakers |
| Passive | No | No |
| Configuration | Active 2-way full-range PA speaker | Active 2-way full-range PA speaker |
| Drivers | Dual 6” woofers, M-34 compression driver on BC-88 80° x 80° horn | 6” woofer with 2” voice coil, M-34 compression driver on BC-88 80° x 80° horn |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (-10dB, manufacturer specified) | 65Hz - 20kHz (-10dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | 21.7”H x 7.7”W x 10.2”D (550 x 195 x 260 mm) | 15.2”H x 7.7”W x 10.2”D (385 x 195 x 260 mm) |
| Inputs | Balanced XLR input, Speakon NL4 connector | Balanced XLR input with loop-through, Speakon NL4 connector |
| Amplifier Power | 500W (Class D) | 500W (Class D), 720W peak |
| Cabinet Material | Birch plywood | Birch plywood |
| Rigging | M10 flying points, AXW-1 and AXU-AR526 bracket compatible | M10 flying points |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 85Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | 88Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Coverage | 80° x 80° | 80° x 80° |
| Maximum SPL | 125dB (manufacturer specified) | 118dB (manufacturer specified) |
| DSP | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 24.3 lbs (11.0 kg) | 19.8 lbs (9.0 kg) |
| Sensitivity | 93dB | 90dB |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.57 | 4.56 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.70 | 7.76 |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| 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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