I have both a Fender FR-12 (FRFR) and a EV Z12-BT PA. I've played other PAs (including a Behringer that I used for years). The fender is the only FRFR I've played through.
I run my PodGo, a looper, and an iPad into them. Actually now I run a mic as well.
Here's what I can say about them.
Sound-wise, the FRFR is more amp-like. The guitar tones I get out of it are fantastic, and it gets LOUD. The downside is that it is not a very flat sound. So consquently, when I'm playing general audio through it (ie a backing track, or just a song from a streaming service), the speaker does color the sound.
The PAs I've used are much flatter and I can run any sort of audio through my EV and have it sound great. And, I have to say, the Pod Go sounds damn good through it as well. The issue is volume- once I really crank the PA, the rattles and vibrations start. I've tried a number of things to fix them but I can never get the PA even close to as loud as the FRFR. I don't remember having that issue with my Behringer, but it was only a 10" speaker and maybe i never pushed it to the point where the components rattled.
Here's my take:
- If you are playing in a band with a drummer or other guitarists with tube amps, definitely get an FRFR
- If you want to use the speaker to play full frequency content (ie backing tracks, streaming music, or other) and don't have the need for huge volume, get the PA