Short answer: the KV2 Audio EX12 on measured sound quality, the Yamaha DXR12mkIII on price. The KV2 Audio EX12 ranks #5 of 83 12-inch pa speakers, rated 4.4/5, at $3,480. The Yamaha DXR12mkIII ranks #13, rated 4.1/5, at $999.99, $2,480.01 cheaper.
The KV2 Audio EX12 is the better-sounding pick. A highly accurate specialist 12 inch PA speaker with deep bass, very clear vocals and controlled throw. The catch: The 60.4 lbs (27.4 kg) enclosure and premium price make it much less portable and accessible than the mainstream leaders.
What the Yamaha DXR12mkIII does well: A light, loud 12 inch powered PA speaker with strong amplification, app control and capable onboard DSP. It has a microphone input for karaoke or announcements, which the KV2 Audio EX12 lacks. The catch: The truncated Spinorama data does not produce a preference score, so its tonal advantage over the proven Yamaha DXR12mkII is not yet quantified.
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.
A highly accurate specialist 12 inch PA speaker with deep bass, very clear vocals and controlled throw.
A light, loud 12 inch powered PA speaker with strong amplification, app control and capable onboard DSP.
Prices on this page were last checked October 31, 2026 at 7:11 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
| KV2 Audio EX12 | Yamaha DXR12mkIII | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3,480 | $999.99 |
| Ranked | #5 of 83 in 12-Inch PA Speakers | #13 of 83 in 12-Inch PA Speakers |
| Passive | No | No |
| 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 | Yes |
| Weight | 60.4 lbs (27.4 kg) | 38.4 lbs (17.4 kg) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.19 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.62 | - |
| XLR Input | Yes | No |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| 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 | Yes |
| Guitar Input | No | No |
| Rigging | M10 hang point, OmniMount bracket point, 4x M6 bracket points, 10x M10 suspension points; 35mm pole mount | 3 x M10 points plus U-bracket points; 35mm dual-angle pole mount |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.0 |
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