Short answer: the KV2 Audio EX12 on measured sound quality, the Yamaha DXR12mkIII on price. The KV2 Audio EX12 ranks #4 of 37 12-inch two-way powered pa speakers at $3480. The Yamaha DXR12mkIII ranks #10 at $999.99, $2480.01 cheaper.
What the KV2 Audio EX12 offers: A 5.83 ideal-subwoofer preference score and 52Hz bass extension from medium-quality vendor data make this one of the strongest measured specialist boxes. Its 3-inch-diaphragm compression driver, 133dB claimed peak and 80° x 40° horn target high vocal clarity and controlled throw. Watch for: The 27.4kg enclosure and premium price make it much less portable and accessible than the mainstream leaders. User controls are comparatively spare, without an onboard mixer, app control or general-purpose parametric EQ.
What the Yamaha DXR12mkIII offers: The third-generation DXR raises claimed output to 134dB and adds 2000W amplification, app-based control and more capable onboard DSP while staying light at 17.4kg. Medium-quality vendor data shows measured extension around 60Hz. Watch for: The truncated Spinorama data does not produce a preference score, so its tonal advantage over the proven DXR12mkII is not yet quantified. Wireless connectivity is for remote control, not a substitute for a wired production-audio input.
Buy the KV2 Audio EX12 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Yamaha DXR12mkIII if the price matters more than sound quality.
Want more options? Browse the full PA & Live Sound rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| KV2 Audio EX12 | Yamaha DXR12mkIII | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3,480.00 | $999.99 |
| Ranked | #4 of 37 in 12-Inch Two-Way Powered PA Speakers | #10 of 37 in 12-Inch Two-Way Powered PA Speakers |
| Configuration | Active 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker | Active 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker |
| Drivers | 12" neodymium woofer, 1.4" exit/3" diaphragm compression driver | 12" woofer, 1" throat/1.75" diaphragm compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 22kHz (-3dB, manufacturer specified) | 50Hz - 20kHz (-10dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | 23.5"H x 14.5"W x 14.5"D (596 x 368 x 368 mm) | 23.6"H x 14.4"W x 13.8"D (600 x 366 x 350 mm) |
| Crossover Frequency | 1.1kHz (manufacturer specified) | 1800Hz (FIR-X) |
| Amplifier Power | 500W continuous (450W LF + 50W HF, manufacturer specified) | 2000W peak / 1000W RMS (1700W LF + 300W HF peak) |
| Cabinet Material | Baltic birch plywood | PP plastic |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 60Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | 60Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Coverage | 80° x 40° | 90° x 60° |
| Maximum SPL | 133dB peak (manufacturer specified) | 134dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Balanced XLR input and output | Balanced mic/line inputs and link output |
| DSP | Integrated crossover, phase alignment, EQ and protection | Yes, FIR-X tuning, Drive Motion Calibration and D-Remote |
| Bluetooth | No | Bluetooth 5.0 audio streaming and D-Remote control |
| Weight | 60.4 lbs (27.4 kg) | 38.4 lbs (17.4 kg) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.41 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.83 | - |
| Rigging | - | 3 x M10 points plus U-bracket points; 35mm dual-angle pole mount |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for KV2 Audio EX12:
- QSC K12.2 vs KV2 Audio EX12
- FBT ProMaxX 112A vs KV2 Audio EX12
- KV2 Audio EX12 vs JBL PRX912
- KV2 Audio EX12 vs RCF KX 32-A
- RCF ART 932-A vs KV2 Audio EX12
Prices on this page were last checked September 16, 2026 at 12:41 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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
The Two Speakers In Full
KV2 Audio EX12: $3,480.00 eBay
Pros: A 5.83 ideal-subwoofer preference score and 52Hz bass extension from medium-quality vendor data make this one of the strongest measured specialist boxes. Its 3-inch-diaphragm compression driver, 133dB claimed peak and 80° x 40° horn target high vocal clarity and controlled throw. Measured bass extension of 60Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The 27.4kg enclosure and premium price make it much less portable and accessible than the mainstream leaders. User controls are comparatively spare, without an onboard mixer, app control or general-purpose parametric EQ.
Full KV2 Audio EX12 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 500W continuous (450W LF + 50W HF, manufacturer specified) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 60Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Cabinet Material | Baltic birch plywood |
| Configuration | Active 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker |
| Coverage | 80° x 40° |
| Crossover Frequency | 1.1kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| DSP | Integrated crossover, phase alignment, EQ and protection |
| Dimensions | 23.5"H x 14.5"W x 14.5"D (596 x 368 x 368 mm) |
| Drivers | 12" neodymium woofer, 1.4" exit/3" diaphragm compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 22kHz (-3dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Balanced XLR input and output |
| Maximum SPL | 133dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.41 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.83 |
| Weight | 60.4 lbs (27.4 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Yamaha DXR12mkIII: $999.99 Amazon B&H Photo Video Guitar Center eBay
Pros: The third-generation DXR raises claimed output to 134dB and adds 2000W amplification, app-based control and more capable onboard DSP while staying light at 17.4kg. Medium-quality vendor data shows measured extension around 60Hz. Measured bass extension of 60Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The truncated Spinorama data does not produce a preference score, so its tonal advantage over the proven DXR12mkII is not yet quantified. Wireless connectivity is for remote control, not a substitute for a wired production-audio input.
Full Yamaha DXR12mkIII review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 2000W peak / 1000W RMS (1700W LF + 300W HF peak) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 60Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 audio streaming and D-Remote control |
| Cabinet Material | PP plastic |
| Configuration | Active 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker |
| Coverage | 90° x 60° |
| Crossover Frequency | 1800Hz (FIR-X) |
| DSP | Yes, FIR-X tuning, Drive Motion Calibration and D-Remote |
| Dimensions | 23.6"H x 14.4"W x 13.8"D (600 x 366 x 350 mm) |
| Drivers | 12" woofer, 1" throat/1.75" diaphragm compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 20kHz (-10dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Balanced mic/line inputs and link output |
| Maximum SPL | 134dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Rigging | 3 x M10 points plus U-bracket points; 35mm dual-angle pole mount |
| Weight | 38.4 lbs (17.4 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Yamaha DXR12mkIII vs RCF ART 912-A
- Yamaha DXR12mkIII vs HK Audio LINEAR 7 112 XA
- Yamaha DXR12mkIII vs RCF NX 932-A
- Yamaha DXR12mkIII vs RCF ART 932-A
- Yamaha DXR12mkIII vs Yamaha DXR12mkII
- Yamaha DXR12mkIII vs RCF KX 32-A
- Yamaha DXR12mkIII vs Axiom ED120A
- Yamaha DXR12mkIII vs JBL PRX912
- See all 23 comparisons