Short answer: the RCF ART 712-A MK5. It ranks #41 of 83 12-inch pa speakers by sound quality, rated 3.6/5, at $549; the HK Audio LINEAR 5 112 F ranks #62, rated 3.2/5, and costs $666, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The RCF ART 712-A MK5 is the better-sounding, deeper-bass pick. An affordable 12 inch powered PA speaker with simple controls, a good top for pairing with a subwoofer. Its bass reaches about 65Hz before falling 3dB, against 82.5Hz for the HK Audio LINEAR 5 112 F. The tradeoff: The local low-quality manufacturer data has no computed preference score, making its measured tonal position uncertain.
What the HK Audio LINEAR 5 112 F does well: A passive 12 inch PA speaker with a rotatable horn that widens up close and loud rated peaks, for use with an external amp. The tradeoff: The standalone preference score is only 1.13, with a 0.806 listening-window deviation and bass measuring 82.5Hz at -3dB, so tonal balance is uneven and it needs a subwoofer.
Buy the RCF ART 712-A MK5. It is rated higher for sound quality than the HK Audio LINEAR 5 112 F and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete PA & Live Sound rankings.
Prices on this page were last checked November 7, 2026 at 7:34 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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Specifications Side By Side
| RCF ART 712-A MK5 | HK Audio LINEAR 5 112 F | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $549.00 | $666 Passive |
| Ranked | #41 of 83 in 12-Inch PA Speakers | #62 of 83 in 12-Inch PA Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 65.0Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | 82.5Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Passive | No | Yes |
| Configuration | Active 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker | Passive 2-way PA speaker |
| Drivers | 12” woofer, 1.75” compression driver | 12” woofer (2.5” voice coil), 1” compression driver (1.75” voice coil) |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 20kHz (manufacturer specified) | 79Hz - 18kHz (-6dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | 25.1”H x 15.2”W x 14.3”D (637 x 387 x 363 mm) | 26.3”H x 14.6”W x 14.4”D (668 x 370 x 365 mm) |
| Coverage | 90° x 60° | 60°-90° asymmetric x 55° (rotatable) |
| Maximum SPL | 129dB peak (manufacturer specified) | 135dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR/TRS combo | - |
| Amplifier Power | 1400W peak (1000W LF + 400W HF) | Passive speaker; requires external amplification |
| Crossover Frequency | 1600Hz | - |
| Cabinet Material | PP composite | - |
| Rigging | 2 x M10 inserts; 35mm pole mount | 3 x M8 rigging points; DuoTilt 3°/7° pole mount |
| DSP | Yes | No (passive) |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Weight | 39.2 lbs (17.8 kg) | 52.7 lbs (23.9 kg) |
| XLR Input | Yes | No |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | Yes | 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 | No |
| Guitar Input | No | No |
| Power Handling | - | 500W RMS / 1,000W program |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | about 60Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 1.13 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 4.21 |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How RCF ART 712-A MK5 compares with other leading options: