Short answer: choose between the Yamaha DBR12 and HK Audio LINEAR 5 112 FA 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 case for the Yamaha DBR12. 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.
The case for the HK Audio LINEAR 5 112 FA. 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.
Important trade-offs. 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. 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.
Buy the Yamaha DBR12 when its stated format, coverage, and system features fit the job better.
Buy the HK Audio LINEAR 5 112 FA when its stated output, control, and deployment strengths better match the system.
Specifications Side By Side
| Yamaha DBR12 | HK Audio LINEAR 5 112 FA | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $390.99 | $955.00 |
| Ranked | #24 of 37 in 12-Inch Two-Way Powered PA Speakers | #26 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" compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 52Hz - 20kHz (manufacturer specified) | 64Hz - 18kHz (±3dB, manufacturer specified); 57Hz - 20kHz (-10dB) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 58Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | 73Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Coverage | 90° x 60° | 60°-90° asymmetric x 55° |
| Maximum SPL | 131dB peak (manufacturer specified) | 135dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | 2 x XLR/TRS combo, stereo RCA | 2 x XLR input, 2 x XLR thru, XLR mix output |
| DSP | Yes | Yes, crossover, EQ and limiting |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Weight | 34.8 lbs / 15.8 kg | 52.7 lbs / 23.9 kg |
| Dimensions | 23.7"H x 14.8"W x 13.7"D (601 x 376 x 348 mm) | 26.3"H x 14.6"W x 14.4"D (668 x 370 x 365 mm) |
| Amplifier Power | 1000W dynamic / 465W continuous (800W LF + 200W HF dynamic) | 1,000W peak (Class D bi-amped, manufacturer specified) |
| Cabinet Material | Plastic | Hybrid birch plywood construction |
| Rigging | 3 x M8 points; 35mm pole mount | Three M8 points; DuoTilt 3°/7° pole mount |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 1.65kHz active (24dB/octave) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:
- HK Audio LINEAR 5 112 XA vs LD Systems Stinger 12 A G3
- RCF ART 712-A MK5 vs HK Audio LINEAR 5 112 XA
- HK Audio LINEAR 5 112 XA vs RCF HD 12-A MK5
- RCF ART 712-A MK5 vs HK Audio LINEAR 5 112 FA
- HK Audio LINEAR 5 112 FA vs RCF HD 12-A MK5
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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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.
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 |
| Weight | 34.8 lbs / 15.8 kg |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons


