Short answer: choose between the RCF ART 708-A MK5 and Yamaha DBR12 by matching the speaker to the deployment rather than treating their ranking positions as a universal verdict. Coverage, cabinet format, bass extension, output capability, DSP, and service support all matter in a PA system.
Why choose the RCF ART 708-A MK5. A compact, affordable RCF with a 1.4-inch compression driver, 128dB claimed output and FiRPHASE processing, well suited to buyers who plan to cross to a subwoofer and do not need app control. At 10.4kg it is easy to carry.
Why choose the Yamaha DBR12. A lightweight, widely supported entry point with a useful two-channel mixer, FIR-X crossover processing and straightforward main/monitor presets. The 58Hz measured extension is adequate for speech and modest music playback without a subwoofer.
What to weigh before buying. The local low-quality manufacturer data has no computed preference score, making its measured tonal position uncertain. Medium-quality vendor data produces a below-average 4.23 ideal-subwoofer preference score, indicating substantial tonal/directivity compromises. Its 131dB output claim and controls also sit below Yamaha’s DXR and DZR tiers.
Buy the RCF ART 708-A MK5 when its stated coverage, output, processing, and installation format fit the job better.
Buy the Yamaha DBR12 when its stated strengths better suit the venue and the rest of the system.
The RCF ART 708-A MK5 is not a sound-quality pick. It sits near the bottom of the 15 8-inch two-way powered pa speakers; there are better options higher up.
Specifications Side By Side
| RCF ART 708-A MK5 | Yamaha DBR12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499.00 | $390.99 |
| Ranked | #12 of 15 in 8-Inch Two-Way Powered PA Speakers | #24 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 | 8" woofer, 1.4" compression driver | 12" woofer, 1.4" compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (manufacturer specified) | 52Hz - 20kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | 18.9"H x 11.5"W x 10.9"D (480 x 291 x 276 mm) | 23.7"H x 14.8"W x 13.7"D (601 x 376 x 348 mm) |
| Coverage | 90° x 70° | 90° x 60° |
| Maximum SPL | 128dB peak (manufacturer specified) | 131dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR and 1/4-inch jack input; XLR output | 2 x XLR/TRS combo, stereo RCA |
| Amplifier Power | 1400W peak (1000W LF + 400W HF) | 1000W dynamic / 465W continuous (800W LF + 200W HF dynamic) |
| Crossover Frequency | 1600Hz | - |
| Cabinet Material | PP composite | Plastic |
| Rigging | 2 x M10 inserts; 35mm pole mount | 3 x M8 points; 35mm pole mount |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 75Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | 58Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| DSP | Yes, FiRPHASE, EQ, limiting and protection | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Weight | 22.9 lbs / 10.4 kg | 34.8 lbs / 15.8 kg |
Related Speaker Comparisons
Other pairings from the same speaker class worth checking:
- Yamaha DBR10 vs RCF ART 712-A MK5
- Martin Audio CDD8 vs RCF ART 708-A MK4
- RCF ART 712-A MK5 vs RCF ART 712-A MK4
- Yamaha DBR12 vs RCF ART 712-A MK4
- RCF ART 710-A MK5 vs Yamaha DBR12
Prices on this page were last checked September 7, 2026 at 7:47 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
RCF ART 708-A MK5: $499.00 Amazon B&H Photo Video Guitar Center eBay
Pros: A compact, affordable RCF with a 1.4-inch compression driver, 128dB claimed output and FiRPHASE processing, well suited to buyers who plan to cross to a subwoofer and do not need app control. At 10.4kg it is easy to carry.
Cons: The local low-quality manufacturer data has no computed preference score, making its measured tonal position uncertain.
Full RCF ART 708-A MK5 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 1400W peak (1000W LF + 400W HF) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 75Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Cabinet Material | PP composite |
| Configuration | Active 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker |
| Coverage | 90° x 70° |
| Crossover Frequency | 1600Hz |
| DSP | Yes, FiRPHASE, EQ, limiting and protection |
| Dimensions | 18.9"H x 11.5"W x 10.9"D (480 x 291 x 276 mm) |
| Drivers | 8" woofer, 1.4" compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR and 1/4-inch jack input; XLR output |
| Maximum SPL | 128dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Rigging | 2 x M10 inserts; 35mm pole mount |
| Weight | 22.9 lbs / 10.4 kg |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- RCF ART 708-A MK5 vs Axiom ED80P
- RCF ART 708-A MK5 vs Martin Audio CDD8
- RCF ART 708-A MK5 vs RCF ART 708-A MK4
- RCF ART 708-A MK5 vs Vue Audiotechnik H-8
- RCF ART 708-A MK5 vs RCF KX 08-A
- RCF ART 708-A MK5 vs JBL PRX908
- RCF ART 708-A MK5 vs Yamaha DXR8mkII
- RCF ART 708-A MK5 vs QSC K8.2
- See all 9 comparisons
Yamaha DBR12: $390.99 Amazon B&H Photo Video Guitar Center eBay
Pros: A lightweight, widely supported entry point with a useful two-channel mixer, FIR-X crossover processing and straightforward main/monitor presets. The 58Hz measured extension is adequate for speech and modest music playback without a subwoofer.
Cons: Medium-quality vendor data produces a below-average 4.23 ideal-subwoofer preference score, indicating substantial tonal/directivity compromises. Its 131dB output claim and controls also sit below Yamaha’s DXR and DZR tiers.
Full Yamaha DBR12 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 1000W dynamic / 465W continuous (800W LF + 200W HF dynamic) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 58Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Cabinet Material | Plastic |
| Configuration | Active 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker |
| Coverage | 90° x 60° |
| DSP | Yes |
| Dimensions | 23.7"H x 14.8"W x 13.7"D (601 x 376 x 348 mm) |
| Drivers | 12" woofer, 1.4" compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 52Hz - 20kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | 2 x XLR/TRS combo, stereo RCA |
| Maximum SPL | 131dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Rigging | 3 x M8 points; 35mm pole mount |
| Weight | 34.8 lbs / 15.8 kg |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons