Short answer: both are discontinued, and they are rated the same for sound quality (#43 and #44 of 83 12-inch pa speakers). Either one is only an option used, so choose on condition and price. If you want one new, the HK Audio Linear 5 MK2 112 XA replaces the HK Audio LINEAR 5 112 XA and is rated 3.7/5 at $1,508.02.
The LINEAR 5 112 XA trades bass extension for output and versatility. Its high-quality vendor data returns a 5.21 ideal-subwoofer preference score, and the compact monitor-capable enclosure reaches a claimed 136dB peak, with a rotatable 60° x 40° horn to concentrate output over distance. Its own cons are direct: measured bass extension is only about 87Hz, so it’s best treated as a mid/high cabinet over subwoofers rather than a stand-alone full-range main, and it’s an older discontinued generation with limited onboard user processing.
The HD 12-A MK5 is a current, accessible RCF main. The 40.3 lbs (18.3 kg) cabinet offers 130dB claimed peak output, 90° x 60° coverage and RCF FiRPHASE/Bass Motion Control processing at a comparatively accessible price, and medium-quality vendor data indicates useful extension into the low 60Hz region. Its own cons note the truncated Spinorama measurement can’t produce a preference score, so tonal confidence is lower than for fully scored leaders, and controls are intentionally simple, omitting app control, networking and a multi-input mixer.
Buy the HD 12-A MK5 for a current, more affordable main speaker with deeper measured bass extension.
Buy the LINEAR 5 112 XA only if you specifically want its higher claimed peak output and monitor-capable rotatable horn, and plan to run it over subwoofers.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete PA & Live Sound rankings.
A compact powered 12 inch PA box that doubles as a floor monitor, with a rotatable horn that throws sound over long distances.
An affordable powered 12 inch PA speaker with loud output, simple controls, and onboard processing that keeps bass tidy.
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Specifications Side By Side
| HK Audio LINEAR 5 112 XA | RCF HD 12-A MK5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $800 Discontinued | $600.00 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #43 of 83 in 12-Inch PA Speakers | #44 of 83 in 12-Inch PA Speakers |
| Passive | No | No |
| Configuration | Active 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker/monitor | Active 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker |
| Drivers | 12” woofer, 1” compression driver | 12” woofer, 1.4” compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 100Hz - 18kHz (±3dB, manufacturer specified); 72Hz - 20kHz (-10dB) | 45Hz - 20kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | 26.3”H x 14.6”W x 11.8”D (668 x 370 x 300 mm) | 25.5”H x 15”W x 15”D (647 x 380 x 380 mm) |
| Amplifier Power | 1,000W peak (Class D bi-amped, manufacturer specified) | 1400W peak / 700W RMS (1000W LF + 400W HF peak) |
| Crossover Frequency | 1.65kHz active (24dB/octave) | 1800Hz |
| Cabinet Material | Hybrid birch plywood construction | PP composite |
| Rigging | Three M8 points; DuoTilt 3°/7° pole mount | 2 x M10 inserts; 35mm pole mount |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 95Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | 63Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Coverage | 60° x 40°, rotatable | 90° x 60° |
| Maximum SPL | 136dB peak (manufacturer specified) | 130dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | 2 x XLR input, 2 x XLR thru, XLR mix output | XLR/TRS combo input and XLR link |
| DSP | Yes, crossover, EQ and limiting | Yes, FiRPHASE and Bass Motion Control |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Weight | 46.5 lbs (21.1 kg) | 40.3 lbs (18.3 kg) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 1.84 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.21 | - |
| XLR Input | Yes | 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 |
Frequency Response Compared
Both speakers’ spinorama measurements, overlaid. A flatter line is more neutral: peaks sound forward or harsh, dips sound recessed. Each curve is shifted so its average from 300 Hz to 3 kHz sits at 0 dB, so loudness differences between the two are removed and only the shape is compared.
Measurement data: HK Audio LINEAR 5 112 XA (measured by the manufacturer) and RCF HD 12-A MK5 (measured by the manufacturer), via spinorama.org.
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