Short answer: the Yamaha DXR12mkIII, if you are buying new. The Yamaha DXR12mkII measures as well as the HK Audio LINEAR 9 112 XA (#17 vs #15 of 83 12-inch pa speakers) but is discontinued; its replacement, the Yamaha DXR12mkIII, is rated 4.1/5 at $999.99 and is still sold new.
The LINEAR 9 112 XA posts the stronger measured preference score. Its high-quality vendor data returns 5.66 against the DXR12mkII’s 5.49, but the DXR12mkII actually measures deeper at 61Hz extension versus the LINEAR 9’s 90Hz, and the LINEAR 9’s own cons note it depends more on a subwoofer than the strongest stand-alone boxes at this size. The DXR12mkII’s cons flag meaningful response and directivity irregularity in its own data, so neither is a clean win on tonality alone.
The LINEAR 9 112 XA is built for networked deployment. It runs MILAN networking and comprehensive remote DSP over dual EtherCON, with a rotatable 70° x 50° horn and a durable plywood cabinet, aimed at buyers integrating multiple cabinets into one controlled system. The DXR12mkII is the simpler, more broadly distributed workhorse, with a flexible three-channel input section, Yamaha’s FIR-X processing and D-CONTOUR presets, but no networking, app control or Bluetooth audio.
Weight and output favor the DXR12mkII slightly: 41 lbs (18.6 kg) against the LINEAR 9’s 45.2 lbs (20.5 kg), with a higher 134dB claimed peak versus 131dB.
Buy the DXR12mkII if you want a proven, simpler workhorse with deeper measured bass at a lower price.
Buy the LINEAR 9 112 XA if you are building a networked multi-cabinet system and value the stronger preference score over standalone bass reach.
Still deciding? The full PA & Live Sound rankings cover every ranked option.
A networked 12 inch powered PA speaker in a durable plywood cabinet with good sound and full remote DSP for professional systems.
A proven 12 inch PA workhorse with good sound, loud output, three input channels and easy processing presets.
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Specifications Side By Side
| HK Audio LINEAR 9 112 XA | Yamaha DXR12mkII | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,965.54 | $864.99 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #15 of 83 in 12-Inch PA Speakers | #17 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, 1.75” compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 62Hz - 20kHz (-10dB, manufacturer specified) | 52Hz - 20kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | 26.4”H x 14.6”W x 12.2”D (670 x 370 x 310 mm) | 23.7”H x 14.3”W x 13.8”D (601 x 362 x 350 mm) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 90Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | 61Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Coverage | 70° x 50°, rotatable | 90° x 60° |
| Maximum SPL | 131dB peak (manufacturer specified) | 134dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR/TRS combo, XLR thru/DSP out, dual EtherCON | 2 x XLR/TRS combo, stereo RCA |
| Amplifier Power | 700W RMS | 1100W dynamic / 700W continuous (950W LF + 150W HF dynamic) |
| Crossover Frequency | 1600Hz | - |
| Cabinet Material | Birch plywood with PU coating | Matte-finish ABS |
| Rigging | 5 x M8 points; DuoTilt 3°/7° pole mount | 3 x M10 points; 35mm dual-angle pole mount |
| Network Control | Milan and HK Audio DSP Control | - |
| DSP | Yes, networked PEQ, filters, delay and limiter | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Weight | 45.2 lbs (20.5 kg) | 41 lbs (18.6 kg) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.40 | 2.78 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.66 | 5.49 |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | Yes |
| TRS Input | Yes | 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 9 112 XA (measured by the manufacturer) and Yamaha DXR12mkII (measured by the manufacturer), via spinorama.org.
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