Short answer: the Axiom ED120A for better sound quality, the Yamaha DBR12 for the lower price. The Axiom ED120A ranks #18 of 83 12-inch pa speakers, rated 4.0/5, at $1,790. The Yamaha DBR12 ranks #40, rated 3.6/5, at $399.99, $1,390.01 cheaper.
Why pick the Yamaha DBR12: An affordable, light 12 inch powered PA speaker with a two channel mixer and simple main and monitor presets. The tradeoff: Medium-quality vendor data produces a below-average 4.92 ideal-subwoofer preference score, indicating substantial tonal/directivity compromises.
The Axiom ED120A is the more accurate pick. A good sounding professional 12 inch powered PA speaker with deep bass, remote control and an asymmetric horn for installs. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 3.30 against 2.32 for the Yamaha DBR12. The tradeoff: The 132dB claimed peak is competitive rather than class-leading, and the asymmetric 60°-to-100° pattern needs more deliberate aiming than a conventional symmetric horn.
Buy the Yamaha DBR12 if the price is the priority over sound quality, or the Axiom ED120A if sound quality is the priority over the price.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete PA & Live Sound rankings.
An affordable, light 12 inch powered PA speaker with a two channel mixer and simple main and monitor presets.
A good sounding professional 12 inch powered PA speaker with deep bass, remote control and an asymmetric horn for installs.
Prices on this page were last checked October 31, 2026 at 7:11 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.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Yamaha DBR12 | Axiom ED120A | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399.99 | $1,790 |
| Ranked | #40 of 83 in 12-Inch PA Speakers | #18 of 83 in 12-Inch PA Speakers |
| Passive | No | No |
| Configuration | Active 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker | Active 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker |
| Drivers | 12” woofer, 1.4” compression driver | 12” woofer, 1.4” compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 52Hz - 20kHz (manufacturer specified) | 65Hz - 17kHz (-6dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 58Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | 60Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Coverage | 90° x 60° | 60°-100° asymmetric x 60° |
| Maximum SPL | 131dB peak (manufacturer specified) | 132dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | 2 x XLR/TRS combo, stereo RCA | XLR input and link; EtherCON control network |
| DSP | Yes | Yes, CORE processing with PRONET control |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Weight | 34.8 lbs (15.8 kg) | 41.9 lbs (19 kg) |
| Dimensions | 23.7”H x 14.8”W x 13.7”D (601 x 376 x 348 mm) | 24”H x 14.2”W x 12.2”D (610 x 360 x 310 mm) |
| Amplifier Power | 1000W dynamic / 465W continuous (800W LF + 200W HF dynamic) | 1,200W continuous (900W LF + 300W HF Class D, manufacturer specified) |
| Cabinet Material | Plastic | 15mm reinforced phenolic birch plywood |
| Rigging | 3 x M8 points; 35mm pole mount | M10 and M6 fly points; pole-mount socket |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.32 | 3.30 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 4.92 | 5.73 |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes | 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 |
| Network Control | - | PRONET control over EtherCON/CANBUS |
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