Short answer: choose between the Yamaha DXR8mkII and RCF ART 712-A MK4 by matching the speaker to the deployment rather than treating their ranking positions as a universal verdict. Coverage, cabinet format, bass extension, output capability, DSP, and service support all matter in a PA system.
Why choose the Yamaha DXR8mkII. Medium-quality vendor data shows a 4.99 ideal-subwoofer preference score with 64Hz measured extension, among the strongest results here. Yamaha’s FIR-X processing, a 1.75-inch neodymium compression driver and a 90° x 60° constant-directivity horn carry over the larger DXR models’ engineering into a compact cabinet.
Why choose the RCF ART 712-A MK4. The 17.8kg cabinet combines 129dB claimed peak output, a broad horn and RCF’s FiRPHASE processing in a straightforward package. Its measured response extends to roughly 65Hz before the first major roll-off.
What to weigh before buying. No mkIII successor exists for this size yet, so it is the oldest design generation in this ranking’s Yamaha lineup, without app control or Bluetooth audio. The low-quality vendor measurement is truncated and cannot produce a reliable preference score.
Buy the Yamaha DXR8mkII when its stated coverage, output, processing, and installation format fit the job better.
Buy the RCF ART 712-A MK4 when its stated strengths better suit the venue and the rest of the system.
Skip the RCF ART 712-A MK4 if sound quality matters to you. It ranks near the bottom of the 37 12-inch two-way powered pa speakers.
Specifications Side By Side
| Yamaha DXR8mkII | RCF ART 712-A MK4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $649.00 | $509.00 |
| Ranked | #4 of 15 in 8-Inch Two-Way Powered PA Speakers | #35 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 | 8" woofer, 1.75" compression driver | 12" woofer, 1" compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 57Hz - 20kHz (-10dB, manufacturer specified) | 50Hz - 20kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | 18"H x 11"W x 11"D (458 x 280 x 280 mm) | 25.1"H x 15.2"W x 14.3"D (637 x 387 x 363 mm) |
| Maximum SPL | 130dB peak (manufacturer specified) | 129dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR, dual 1/4-inch, stereo RCA; XLR thru and link outputs | XLR/TRS combo input and XLR link |
| Amplifier Power | 1100W dynamic / 700W continuous (950W LF + 150W HF dynamic) | 1,400W peak / 700W RMS (1,000W LF + 400W HF peak, manufacturer specified) |
| Cabinet Material | Matte-finish ABS | Polypropylene composite |
| Rigging | 3 x M8 points; 35mm dual-angle pole mount | Two M10 fly points; pole mount |
| Coverage | 90° x 60° | 90° x 60° |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 69Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | 65Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| DSP | Yes | Yes, FiRPHASE, EQ, limiting and protection |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Weight | 28.2 lbs / 12.8 kg | 39.2 lbs / 17.8 kg |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 1.6kHz (manufacturer specified) |
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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 DXR8mkII: $649.00 Amazon B&H Photo Video Guitar Center eBay
Pros: Medium-quality vendor data shows a 4.99 ideal-subwoofer preference score with 64Hz measured extension, among the strongest results here. Yamaha’s FIR-X processing, a 1.75-inch neodymium compression driver and a 90° x 60° constant-directivity horn carry over the larger DXR models’ engineering into a compact cabinet.
Cons: No mkIII successor exists for this size yet, so it is the oldest design generation in this ranking’s Yamaha lineup, without app control or Bluetooth audio.
Full Yamaha DXR8mkII review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 1100W dynamic / 700W continuous (950W LF + 150W HF dynamic) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 69Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Cabinet Material | Matte-finish ABS |
| Configuration | Active 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker |
| Coverage | 90° x 60° |
| DSP | Yes |
| Dimensions | 18"H x 11"W x 11"D (458 x 280 x 280 mm) |
| Drivers | 8" woofer, 1.75" compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 57Hz - 20kHz (-10dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR, dual 1/4-inch, stereo RCA; XLR thru and link outputs |
| Maximum SPL | 130dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Rigging | 3 x M8 points; 35mm dual-angle pole mount |
| Weight | 28.2 lbs / 12.8 kg |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
RCF ART 712-A MK4: $509.00 B&H Photo Video Guitar Center eBay
Pros: The 17.8kg cabinet combines 129dB claimed peak output, a broad horn and RCF’s FiRPHASE processing in a straightforward package. Its measured response extends to roughly 65Hz before the first major roll-off.
Cons: The low-quality vendor measurement is truncated and cannot produce a reliable preference score. This discontinued MK4 offers little reason to choose it over the newer ART 712-A MK5 unless the used price is substantially lower.
Full RCF ART 712-A MK4 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 1,400W peak / 700W RMS (1,000W LF + 400W HF peak, manufacturer specified) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 65Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Cabinet Material | Polypropylene composite |
| Configuration | Active 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker |
| Coverage | 90° x 60° |
| Crossover Frequency | 1.6kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| DSP | Yes, FiRPHASE, EQ, limiting and protection |
| Dimensions | 25.1"H x 15.2"W x 14.3"D (637 x 387 x 363 mm) |
| Drivers | 12" woofer, 1" compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 20kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR/TRS combo input and XLR link |
| Maximum SPL | 129dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Rigging | Two M10 fly points; pole mount |
| Weight | 39.2 lbs / 17.8 kg |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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