Short answer: the HK Audio LINEAR 9 112 XA. Both are rated 4.0/5 for sound quality (#15 and #16 of 83 12-inch pa speakers), and the HK Audio LINEAR 9 112 XA costs $1,965.54 against $4,703 for the EAW MKD1200, so with nothing between them on sound quality, price settles it.
The EAW MKD1200 is the more accurate, deeper-bass choice. A very loud passive installation speaker with two 12 inch woofers, deep bass and a choice of horn patterns to fit the venue. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 4.78 against 2.40 for the HK Audio LINEAR 9 112 XA. Its bass reaches about 58Hz before falling 3dB, against 90Hz for the HK Audio LINEAR 9 112 XA. The catch: A 103.6 lbs (47 kg) passive 3-way cabinet that needs an external amplifier and processor, so it is a fixed installation box rather than a portable 12-inch top.
The case for the HK Audio LINEAR 9 112 XA: A networked 12 inch powered PA speaker in a durable plywood cabinet with good sound and full remote DSP for professional systems. Watch for: Its 82Hz measured bass extension and 131dB peak claim mean it depends more on a subwoofer than the strongest stand-alone boxes.
Buy the HK Audio LINEAR 9 112 XA. Both are rated the same for sound quality, and it costs $2,737.46 less than the EAW MKD1200.
Still deciding? The full PA & Live Sound rankings cover every ranked option.
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Specifications Side By Side
| EAW MKD1200 | HK Audio LINEAR 9 112 XA | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4,703 Passive | $1,965.54 |
| Ranked | #16 of 83 in 12-Inch PA Speakers | #15 of 83 in 12-Inch PA Speakers |
| Rigging | 12 x M10 mounting points; U-bracket and M10 kit accessories | 5 x M8 points; DuoTilt 3°/7° pole mount |
| Passive | Yes | No |
| Configuration | Passive or bi-amplified 3-way full-range PA speaker | Active 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker/monitor |
| Drivers | Dual 12” cone woofers with 3” voice coils, 2” exit midrange compression driver, 2” exit tweeter compression driver | 12” woofer, 1” compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 47Hz - 20kHz (manufacturer specified) | 62Hz - 20kHz (-10dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | 32”H x 22.7”W x 20.6”D (813 x 577 x 523 mm) | 26.4”H x 14.6”W x 12.2”D (670 x 370 x 310 mm) |
| Inputs | Terminal block connections | XLR/TRS combo, XLR thru/DSP out, dual EtherCON |
| Amplifier Power | Passive speaker; use external amplification within the 1200W LF/MF and 140W HF/MF handling ratings at 8 ohms | 700W RMS |
| Power Handling | 1200W at 8 ohms (LF/MF), 140W at 8 ohms (HF/MF) | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 58Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | 90Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Coverage | 60° x 45°, 90° x 45° or 90° x 60° (model dependent) | 70° x 50°, rotatable |
| Maximum SPL | 147dB (MKD1264), 145dB (MKD1294), 139dB (MKD1296) | 131dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| DSP | No (passive; use with an amplifier that has EAW DSP presets) | Yes, networked PEQ, filters, delay and limiter |
| Weight | 104.1 lbs (47.2 kg) | 45.2 lbs (20.5 kg) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.78 | 2.40 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.20 | 5.66 |
| 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 |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 1600Hz |
| Cabinet Material | - | Birch plywood with PU coating |
| Network Control | - | Milan and HK Audio DSP Control |
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