RCF ART 712-A MK5 vs HK Audio LINEAR 5 112 FA

Short answer: the HK Audio LINEAR 5 112 FA if output headroom matters most; the RCF ART 712-A MK5 if price and weight matter more. These rank #25 and #26 out of 37 12-inch powered PA speakers, separated by a $356 price gap.

The LINEAR 5 has the confirmed measured result. High-quality vendor data yields a 4.50 ideal-subwoofer preference score. The ART 712-A MK5’s local low-quality data has no computed preference score, making its measured tonal position uncertain, though its own review calls it an appealing simple top for buyers who plan to cross to a subwoofer.

Output and coverage favor the LINEAR 5. Its 135dB claimed peak substantially exceeds the ART 712-A MK5’s 129dB, and its asymmetric 60-to-90-degree horn can cover wider near-field seating without wasting as much energy upward. Its own review notes the 70Hz measured bass extension points toward subwoofer use regardless, similar to the RCF’s simple-top positioning.

Weight and control complexity cut the other way. At 23.9kg the LINEAR 5 is meaningfully heavier than the ART 712-A MK5’s 17.8kg, and its own review notes this original LINEAR 5 generation lacks the deeper networked DSP of the newer MK2, LINEAR 7 and LINEAR 9 models. The ART 712-A MK5 has simple XLR/TRS combo input with no app or wireless control, but is easier to carry and set up quickly.

Buy the RCF ART 712-A MK5 for a lighter, more affordable simple top paired with your own subwoofer.

Buy the HK Audio LINEAR 5 112 FA for the confirmed preference score and substantially higher claimed output headroom.

Specifications Side By Side

Related Speaker Comparisons

Other pairings from the same speaker class worth checking:

• HK Audio LINEAR 5 112 XA vs RCF HD 12-A MK5
• HK Audio LINEAR 5 112 XA vs LD Systems Stinger 12 A G3
• RCF NX 912-A vs Yamaha DBR12
• HK Audio LINEAR 5 112 FA vs RCF HD 12-A MK5
• RCF ART 712-A MK5 vs HK Audio LINEAR 5 112 XA

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.

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The Two Speakers In Full

RCF ART 712-A MK5: $599.00 Amazon B&H Photo Video Guitar Center eBay

Pros: A compact, relatively affordable RCF with 129dB claimed output, FiRPHASE processing and familiar 90° x 60° coverage. It is an appealing simple top for buyers who plan to cross to a subwoofer and do not need app control.

Cons: The local low-quality manufacturer data has no computed preference score, making its measured tonal position uncertain. The smaller compression-driver assembly offers less vocal headroom than the ART 732-A MK5.

Full RCF ART 712-A MK5 review and specifications →

Amplifier Power	1400W peak (1000W LF + 400W HF)
Bluetooth	No
Cabinet Material	PP composite
Configuration	Active 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker
Coverage	90° x 60°
Crossover Frequency	1600Hz
DSP	Yes
Dimensions	25.1"H x 15.2"W x 14.3"D (637 x 387 x 363 mm)
Drivers	12" woofer, 1.75" compression driver
Frequency Response	50Hz - 20kHz (manufacturer specified)
Inputs	XLR/TRS combo
Maximum SPL	129dB peak (manufacturer specified)
Rigging	2 x M10 inserts; 35mm pole mount
Weight	39.2 lbs / 17.8 kg

• Links
  • RCF ART 712-A MK5 Product Page
• Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
  • Spinorama Measurements
• Head-to-Head Comparisons
  • RCF ART 712-A MK5 vs Yamaha DBR12
  • RCF ART 712-A MK5 vs RCF NX 912-A
  • RCF ART 712-A MK5 vs HK Audio LINEAR 5 112 XA

HK Audio LINEAR 5 112 FA: $955.00 eBay

Pros: High-quality vendor data yields a 4.50 ideal-subwoofer preference score, while the asymmetric horn can cover wider near-field seating without wasting as much energy upward. The 135dB claimed peak gives it substantial headroom.

Cons: The 70Hz measured bass extension points toward subwoofer use, and the 23.9kg cabinet is relatively heavy. This original LINEAR 5 generation lacks the deeper networked DSP and current support advantages of the newer MK2, LINEAR 7 and LINEAR 9 models.

Full HK Audio LINEAR 5 112 FA review and specifications →

Amplifier Power	1,000W peak (Class D bi-amped, manufacturer specified)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	73Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data)
Bluetooth	No
Cabinet Material	Hybrid birch plywood construction
Configuration	Active 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker
Coverage	60°-90° asymmetric x 55°
Crossover Frequency	1.65kHz active (24dB/octave)
DSP	Yes, crossover, EQ and limiting
Dimensions	26.3"H x 14.6"W x 14.4"D (668 x 370 x 365 mm)
Drivers	12" woofer, 1" compression driver
Frequency Response	64Hz - 18kHz (±3dB, manufacturer specified); 57Hz - 20kHz (-10dB)
Inputs	2 x XLR input, 2 x XLR thru, XLR mix output
Maximum SPL	135dB peak (manufacturer specified)
Rigging	Three M8 points; DuoTilt 3°/7° pole mount
Weight	52.7 lbs / 23.9 kg

• Links
  • HK Audio LINEAR 5 112 FA Product Information
• Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
  • Spinorama Measurements
• Head-to-Head Comparisons
  • HK Audio LINEAR 5 112 FA vs HK Audio LINEAR 5 112 XA
  • HK Audio LINEAR 5 112 FA vs Yamaha DBR12
  • HK Audio LINEAR 5 112 FA vs RCF HD 12-A MK5