Short answer: choose between the RCF ART 712-A MK5 and HK Audio LINEAR 5 112 XA for the deployment, not from the automatic ranking alone. Their driver format, power requirements, coverage, bass reach, output capability, and control features determine which is the more practical PA for a particular room or system. The HK Audio LINEAR 5 112 XA is discontinued; its replacement is the HK Audio Linear 5 MK2 112 XA. If you are buying new, get the HK Audio Linear 5 MK2 112 XA.
The case for the RCF ART 712-A MK5. 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.
The case for the HK Audio LINEAR 5 112 XA. Its high-quality vendor data returns a 5.21 ideal-subwoofer preference score, and the compact monitor-capable enclosure reaches a claimed 136dB peak. The rotatable 60° x 40° horn helps concentrate output over longer distances.
Important trade-offs. 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. Measured bass extension is only about 87Hz, so this XA model is best treated as a mid/high cabinet over subwoofers rather than a stand-alone full-range main. It is an older discontinued generation with limited onboard user processing.
Buy the RCF ART 712-A MK5 when its stated format, coverage, and system features fit the job better.
Buy the HK Audio LINEAR 5 112 XA when its stated output, control, and deployment strengths better match the system.
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 compact powered 12 inch PA box that doubles as a floor monitor, with a rotatable horn that throws sound over long distances.
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 XA | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $549.00 | $800 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #41 of 83 in 12-Inch PA Speakers | #43 of 83 in 12-Inch PA Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 65.0Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | 95Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Passive | No | No |
| Configuration | Active 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker | Active 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker/monitor |
| Drivers | 12” woofer, 1.75” compression driver | 12” woofer, 1” compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 20kHz (manufacturer specified) | 100Hz - 18kHz (±3dB, manufacturer specified); 72Hz - 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 11.8”D (668 x 370 x 300 mm) |
| Coverage | 90° x 60° | 60° x 40°, rotatable |
| Maximum SPL | 129dB peak (manufacturer specified) | 136dB 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) | 46.5 lbs (21.1 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 | - | 1.84 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 5.21 |
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 XA (measured by the manufacturer), via spinorama.org.
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