A-CORE vs MK2: Which Is Best For You?

With the arrival of the fully-analogue A-CORE series, HEDD now offers a multitude of monitors that fit a wide range of budgets and sonic preferences. But how do you know which is best for you? In this post we break down the differences and similarities between our two main options: the DSP-driven MK2 range, and the analogue powerhouse A-CORE range.

The Hulk or Iron Man? NASCAR or Formula 1? Shelf or Parametric? All are great options. Sometimes you need simple, raw power, and sometimes you need all of the details and finesse.

Similarities

To look at, the 5” models from both ranges are almost identical: The ubiquitous Air Motion Transformer tweeter; the honeycomb woofer; the front-firing bass ports; the solid cabinet construction. These match evenly across both ranges so the sound you get straight out of the box is comparable. They both deliver the HEDD sound, full of power and precision, showcasing music the way the artist intended.

The dimensions of both sets of TYPE 05 and TYPE 07 models are exactly the same with the MK2 units only 200 grams heavier than their A-CORE counterparts. Both feature two 100 watt power amps meaning the max volume output is also the same - 112db SPL (per pair @ 1m) for the 5” units and 116db SPL (per pair @ 1m) for the 7” units. The frequency ranges are almost identical - the 05 A-CORE goes from 43Hz-50kHz and the 05 MK2 goes from 45Hz-50kHz.

Differences

The heart and body of the MK2 and A-CORE ranges beat as one, but it’s the brains where the two diverge.

The DSP power of the MK2 provides things that aren’t available in the analogue realm: a toolbox full of options that allow users to fine tune their monitors to get the optimal sound for their chosen listening position. However, the technology that enables these options has to be paid for in other ways such as latency.

The A-CORE packs a punch immediately and will never present any latency challenges or need software updates and whilst the elementary tone controls can help suit your sonic tastes, the reduction of options is matched by the reduction in price.

The A-CORE has two analogue shelf EQs to enhance/diminish the low and high frequencies but the MK2 gives users a plethora of options to shape the tone of their speaker output:

• The Lineariser time-aligns all of the individual drivers within each respective speaker to deliver linear-phase across the full frequency spectrum.
• Closed or Ported (CoP) modes allows you to have either a more focused/tighter (closed) or a more powerful/impactful (ported) low end response.
• Low and High shelf EQs allow you to tune the speaker to your preferred tone whilst the Bass Extension option gives a deeper bass response overall.
• The Desktop Filter is designed to help balance out commonly problematic frequencies that reflect from the surface the speaker sits on, be it a mixing desk or a production workstation.

There are also some subtle variations in how you can connect the monitors in each range to your setup.

The A-CORE range features a balanced combi-socket that can accept XLR or TRS cables as well as a dedicated unbalanced RCA input. The MK2 range for its part has XLR inputs for either analogue or AES connections and an RJ45 socket to connect to a computer, allowing control of all the DSP options.

Photo: Both HEDD monitor ranges are designed and assembled in Berlin.

Which is best for me?

It’s impossible to tell without knowing more about your individual circumstances but there are some general guidelines that might be helpful here.

The A-CORE range is powerful and versatile, capable of being used in a variety of situations: in a recording studio for stereo or Atmos production and mixing; in a DJ booth for playback monitoring; as main speakers for a small audience; or in domestic/work environments where quality of sound is respected but at a more affordable price point. You will have fewer options to change the tone of what you hear, but if you want to buy a pair of speakers that can do different things based on a variety of need and never have to think about tweaking them then these are the ones for you.

The MK2 range gives you all of the A-CORE power but adds a layer of personalisation on top. They are also less versatile have been designed and engineered for studio use, with minimal portability. The DSP options allow keen users to refine the sound of the speakers to perfectly suit their own tastes and specific listening environment. This means that you can move them around, from studio to studio, and easily adjust them to the space's unique needs though that is not their intended mode of use. Designed for active listeners like sound engineers, artists, or avid music fans, the MK2 are perfect if you want clarity and accuracy with options for optimising a variety of sonic aspects to the space you work in and are happy to invest financially for those capabilities.

The TYPE 05 A-CORE is available now and the TYPE 07 A-CORE is available for pre-order and due to ship in July 2025. 

The MK2 range is available now with four models to choose from: the 2-way TYPE 05 and 07 and the 3-way TYPE 20 and 30.

You can purchase any monitor directly from us if you have a shipping address in the EU, UK, or Switzerland and receive free shipping. Five year warranty is available on all monitors if you register the product with us, including if you purchase from a third party. 

Alternatively you can arrange a demo and purchase through any of our global distribution partners.