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 #41 and #42 out of 83 12-inch powered PA speakers, separated by a $406 price gap. The HK Audio LINEAR 5 112 FA is discontinued; its replacement is the HK Audio Linear 5 MK2 112 FA. If you are buying new, get the HK Audio Linear 5 MK2 112 FA.
The LINEAR 5 has the confirmed measured result. High-quality vendor data yields a 5.07 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 52.7 lbs (23.9 kg) the LINEAR 5 is meaningfully heavier than the ART 712-A MK5’s 39.2 lbs (17.8 kg), 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.
Still deciding? The full PA & Live Sound rankings cover every ranked option.
An affordable 12 inch powered PA speaker with simple controls, a good top for pairing with a subwoofer.
A powered 12 inch PA speaker with plenty of headroom and an asymmetric horn that spreads sound evenly over nearby seating.
Prices on this page were last checked October 23, 2026 at 8:27 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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Specifications Side By Side
| RCF ART 712-A MK5 | HK Audio LINEAR 5 112 FA | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $549.00 | $955 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #41 of 83 in 12-Inch PA Speakers | #42 of 83 in 12-Inch PA Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 65.0Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | 73Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Passive | No | No |
| Configuration | Active 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker | Active 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker |
| Drivers | 12” woofer, 1.75” compression driver | 12” woofer, 1” compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 20kHz (manufacturer specified) | 64Hz - 18kHz (±3dB, manufacturer specified); 57Hz - 20kHz (-10dB) |
| 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° |
| Maximum SPL | 129dB peak (manufacturer specified) | 135dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR/TRS combo | 2 x XLR input, 2 x XLR thru, XLR mix output |
| Amplifier Power | 1400W peak (1000W LF + 400W HF) | 1,000W peak (Class D bi-amped, manufacturer specified) |
| Crossover Frequency | 1600Hz | 1.65kHz active (24dB/octave) |
| Cabinet Material | PP composite | Hybrid birch plywood construction |
| Rigging | 2 x M10 inserts; 35mm pole mount | Three M8 points; DuoTilt 3°/7° pole mount |
| DSP | Yes | Yes, crossover, EQ and limiting |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Weight | 39.2 lbs (17.8 kg) | 52.7 lbs (23.9 kg) |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| 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 |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 2.10 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 5.07 |
Frequency Response Compared
Both speakers’ spinorama measurements, overlaid. A flatter line is more neutral: peaks sound forward or harsh, dips sound recessed. Each curve is shifted so its average from 300 Hz to 3 kHz sits at 0 dB, so loudness differences between the two are removed and only the shape is compared.
Measurement data: RCF ART 712-A MK5 (measured by the manufacturer) and HK Audio LINEAR 5 112 FA (measured by the manufacturer), via spinorama.org.
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