Short answer: the Axiom ED120A for better sound quality, the Yamaha DBR12 for the lower price. The Axiom ED120A ranks #14 of 37 12-inch two-way powered pa speakers at $1790. The Yamaha DBR12 ranks #24 at $390.99, $1399.01 cheaper.
What the Yamaha DBR12 offers: A lightweight, widely supported entry point with a useful two-channel mixer, FIR-X crossover processing and straightforward main/monitor presets. The 58Hz measured extension is adequate for speech and modest music playback without a subwoofer. Watch for: Medium-quality vendor data produces a below-average 4.23 ideal-subwoofer preference score, indicating substantial tonal/directivity compromises. Its 131dB output claim and controls also sit below Yamaha’s DXR and DZR tiers.
What the Axiom ED120A offers: High-quality vendor Spinorama data gives it a 4.94 ideal-subwoofer preference score and 52Hz bass extension, a solid tonal showing for a professional cabinet. CORE DSP, PRONET remote control and an asymmetric rotatable horn add useful installation flexibility. Watch for: 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. Availability and service coverage are less broad than the mainstream QSC, JBL, Yamaha and RCF choices.
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.
Specifications Side By Side
| Yamaha DBR12 | Axiom ED120A | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $390.99 | $1,790.00 |
| Ranked | #24 of 37 in 12-Inch Two-Way Powered PA Speakers | #14 of 37 in 12-Inch Two-Way Powered PA Speakers |
| 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 | 1.63 | 2.51 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 4.23 | 4.94 |
| Network Control | - | PRONET control over EtherCON/CANBUS |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Axiom ED120A compares with other leading options:
- QSC K12.2 vs Axiom ED120A
- KV2 Audio EX12 vs Axiom ED120A
- JBL PRX912 vs Axiom ED120A
- RCF KX 32-A vs Axiom ED120A
- RCF ART 932-A vs Axiom ED120A
Prices on this page were last checked September 16, 2026 at 12:41 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
Yamaha DBR12: $390.99 Amazon B&H Photo Video Guitar Center eBay
Pros: A lightweight, widely supported entry point with a useful two-channel mixer, FIR-X crossover processing and straightforward main/monitor presets. The 58Hz measured extension is adequate for speech and modest music playback without a subwoofer. Measured bass extension of 58Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Medium-quality vendor data produces a below-average 4.23 ideal-subwoofer preference score, indicating substantial tonal/directivity compromises. Its 131dB output claim and controls also sit below Yamaha’s DXR and DZR tiers.
Full Yamaha DBR12 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 1000W dynamic / 465W continuous (800W LF + 200W HF dynamic) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 58Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Cabinet Material | Plastic |
| Configuration | Active 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker |
| Coverage | 90° x 60° |
| DSP | Yes |
| Dimensions | 23.7"H x 14.8"W x 13.7"D (601 x 376 x 348 mm) |
| Drivers | 12" woofer, 1.4" compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 52Hz - 20kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | 2 x XLR/TRS combo, stereo RCA |
| Maximum SPL | 131dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Rigging | 3 x M8 points; 35mm pole mount |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 1.63 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 4.23 |
| Weight | 34.8 lbs (15.8 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Axiom ED120A: $1,790.00 eBay
Pros: High-quality vendor Spinorama data gives it a 4.94 ideal-subwoofer preference score and 52Hz bass extension, a solid tonal showing for a professional cabinet. CORE DSP, PRONET remote control and an asymmetric rotatable horn add useful installation flexibility. Measured bass extension of 60Hz (-3dB).
Cons: 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. Availability and service coverage are less broad than the mainstream QSC, JBL, Yamaha and RCF choices.
Full Axiom ED120A review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 1,200W continuous (900W LF + 300W HF Class D, manufacturer specified) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 60Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Cabinet Material | 15mm reinforced phenolic birch plywood |
| Configuration | Active 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker |
| Coverage | 60°-100° asymmetric x 60° |
| DSP | Yes, CORE processing with PRONET control |
| Dimensions | 24"H x 14.2"W x 12.2"D (610 x 360 x 310 mm) |
| Drivers | 12" woofer, 1.4" compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 65Hz - 17kHz (-6dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR input and link; EtherCON control network |
| Maximum SPL | 132dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Network Control | PRONET control over EtherCON/CANBUS |
| Rigging | M10 and M6 fly points; pole-mount socket |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.51 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 4.94 |
| Weight | 41.9 lbs (19 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons