Short answer: the d&b audiotechnik 12S. Both are rated 3.8/5 for sound quality (#33 and #27 of 83 12-inch pa speakers), and the d&b audiotechnik 12S costs $1,350 against $1,899 for the HK Audio LINEAR 7 112 FA, with sound quality a draw, the lower price decides it.
Why pick the d&b audiotechnik 12S: A compact passive 12 inch installation speaker with bass deep enough for speech and background music without a subwoofer. Watch for: Listening-window deviation of 0.556 means the tonal balance is less even than the best 12-inch models.
The HK Audio LINEAR 7 112 FA is the more accurate choice. A good sounding full range 12 inch powered PA speaker with networkable DSP for larger systems. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 3.70 against 3.20 for the d&b audiotechnik 12S. The tradeoff: Measured bass extension is 63Hz and the value proposition depends on needing its system networking and professional rigging features.
Buy the d&b audiotechnik 12S. Both are rated the same for sound quality, and it costs $549 less than the HK Audio LINEAR 7 112 FA.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete PA & Live Sound rankings.
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
| d&b audiotechnik 12S | HK Audio LINEAR 7 112 FA | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,350 Passive | $1,899.00 |
| Ranked | #33 of 83 in 12-Inch PA Speakers | #27 of 83 in 12-Inch PA Speakers |
| Rigging | M10 inserts in top and bottom panels; 2 x M8 inserts on rear | Three M8 points; DuoTilt 3°/7° pole mount |
| Passive | Yes | No |
| Configuration | Passive 2-way installation loudspeaker | Active 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker |
| Drivers | 12” neodymium woofer, 1.4” compression driver on CD horn | 12” woofer, compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 48Hz - 18kHz (-5dB, manufacturer specified) | 64Hz - 19kHz (±3dB, manufacturer specified); 55Hz - 20kHz (-10dB) |
| Dimensions | 25.1”H x 13.3”W x 14.4”D (638 x 338 x 365 mm) | 26.4”H x 14.6”W x 11.8”D (670 x 370 x 300 mm) |
| Amplifier Power | Passive speaker; requires external amplification (d&b amplifiers) | 2,000W peak (Class D bi-amped, manufacturer specified) |
| Power Handling | 300W RMS / 1,600W peak | - |
| Maximum SPL | 133dB peak (manufacturer specified) | 131dB peak / 128dB continuous |
| Coverage | 75° x 50° (rotatable) | 70° x 50° |
| Impedance | 8 ohms | - |
| DSP | No (passive) | Yes, network controllable |
| Weight | 37.5 lbs (17 kg) | 50.7 lbs (23 kg) |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| XLR Input | No | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | No | Yes |
| 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 |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 60Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | 63Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | about 46.2Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.20 | 3.70 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.79 | 6.45 |
| Inputs | - | XLR/jack combo input, XLR thru and XLR DSP output |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 1.8kHz FIR (manufacturer specified) |
| Cabinet Material | - | Hybrid birch multiplex/MDF |
| Network Control | - | EtherCON input/thru; DSP CONTROL software |
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