Yamaha DBR12 vs HK Audio LINEAR 5 112 FA

Last updated: September 7, 2026

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.

Yamaha DBR12 vs HK Audio LINEAR 5 112 FA

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
ConfigurationActive 2-way bass-reflex PA speakerActive 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker
Drivers12" woofer, 1.4" compression driver12" woofer, 1" compression driver
Frequency Response52Hz - 20kHz (manufacturer specified)64Hz - 18kHz (±3dB, manufacturer specified); 57Hz - 20kHz (-10dB)
Bass Extension (-3dB)58Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data)73Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data)
Coverage90° x 60°60°-90° asymmetric x 55°
Maximum SPL131dB peak (manufacturer specified)135dB peak (manufacturer specified)
Inputs2 x XLR/TRS combo, stereo RCA2 x XLR input, 2 x XLR thru, XLR mix output
DSPYesYes, crossover, EQ and limiting
BluetoothNoNo
Weight34.8 lbs / 15.8 kg52.7 lbs / 23.9 kg
Dimensions23.7"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 Power1000W dynamic / 465W continuous (800W LF + 200W HF dynamic)1,000W peak (Class D bi-amped, manufacturer specified)
Cabinet MaterialPlasticHybrid birch plywood construction
Rigging3 x M8 points; 35mm pole mountThree M8 points; DuoTilt 3°/7° pole mount
Crossover Frequency-1.65kHz active (24dB/octave)

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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.

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The Two Speakers In Full

Yamaha DBR12: $390.99 Amazon B&H Photo Video Guitar Center eBay

Yamaha DBR12 ranking card

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.

Amplifier Power1000W dynamic / 465W continuous (800W LF + 200W HF dynamic)
Bass Extension (-3dB)58Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data)
BluetoothNo
Cabinet MaterialPlastic
ConfigurationActive 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker
Coverage90° x 60°
DSPYes
Dimensions23.7"H x 14.8"W x 13.7"D (601 x 376 x 348 mm)
Drivers12" woofer, 1.4" compression driver
Frequency Response52Hz - 20kHz (manufacturer specified)
Inputs2 x XLR/TRS combo, stereo RCA
Maximum SPL131dB peak (manufacturer specified)
Rigging3 x M8 points; 35mm pole mount
Weight34.8 lbs / 15.8 kg

HK Audio LINEAR 5 112 FA: $955.00 eBay

HK Audio LINEAR 5 112 FA ranking card

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.

Amplifier Power1,000W peak (Class D bi-amped, manufacturer specified)
Bass Extension (-3dB)73Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data)
BluetoothNo
Cabinet MaterialHybrid birch plywood construction
ConfigurationActive 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker
Coverage60°-90° asymmetric x 55°
Crossover Frequency1.65kHz active (24dB/octave)
DSPYes, crossover, EQ and limiting
Dimensions26.3"H x 14.6"W x 14.4"D (668 x 370 x 365 mm)
Drivers12" woofer, 1" compression driver
Frequency Response64Hz - 18kHz (±3dB, manufacturer specified); 57Hz - 20kHz (-10dB)
Inputs2 x XLR input, 2 x XLR thru, XLR mix output
Maximum SPL135dB peak (manufacturer specified)
RiggingThree M8 points; DuoTilt 3°/7° pole mount
Weight52.7 lbs / 23.9 kg