Short answer: the ART 715-A MK4 if you want self-powered convenience, the B215XL if you’re on a tight budget and already have amplification. These rank #26 and #27 out of 29 15-inch powered PA speakers, priced at $329 and $500, a $171 gap.
The B215XL is the cheapest option here, with a documented measurement to back it. High-quality independent measurement data gives a clear, well-documented result: a 2.71 ideal-subwoofer preference score with 77Hz extension. At a fraction of the price of every active speaker here, it is a genuine budget entry point for a 15-inch two-way box. Being passive, it needs an external amplifier and crossover to work at all, and RMS power handling and build quality trail every powered alternative in this ranking. The 70° x 40° pattern is also on the narrow side.
The ART 715-A MK4 is self-powered but its measurement is unconfirmed. The 19.6kg cabinet combines 130dB claimed peak output, a broad horn and RCF’s FiRPHASE processing in a straightforward, affordable package for a 15-inch box. The low-quality vendor measurement is truncated and cannot produce a reliable preference score, and this discontinued MK4 offers little reason to choose it over the newer ART 715-A MK5 unless the used price is substantially lower.
Buy the B215XL if budget is the priority and you already have an amplifier and crossover in place.
Buy the ART 715-A MK4 if you want self-powered simplicity and RCF’s onboard FiRPHASE processing, even without a confirmed measurement.
Neither of these is a sound-quality pick. Look higher up the 29 15-inch two-way powered pa speakers if that is what you are optimizing for.
Specifications Side By Side
| Behringer Eurolive B215XL | RCF ART 715-A MK4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $329.00 | $500.00 |
| Ranked | #26 of 29 in 15-Inch Two-Way Powered PA Speakers | #27 of 29 in 15-Inch Two-Way Powered PA Speakers |
| Configuration | Passive 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker | Active 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker |
| Drivers | 15" woofer, 1.75" titanium-diaphragm compression driver | 15" woofer, 1" compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 20kHz (manufacturer specified) | 45Hz - 20kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | 27.4"H x 17.3"W x 13.2"D (695 x 440 x 335 mm) | 27.9"H x 17.2"W x 15.3"D (708 x 437 x 389 mm) |
| Inputs | Parallel professional twist-lock and quarter-inch inputs | XLR/jack combo input; XLR output |
| Power Handling | 1,000W peak (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Amplifier Power | Passive speaker; use external amplification within the 1,000W peak handling rating | 1,400W peak / 700W RMS (1,000W LF + 400W HF peak, manufacturer specified) |
| Cabinet Material | Molded enclosure | Polypropylene composite |
| Rigging | Standard speaker-pole mount; optional wall bracket | Two M10 fly points; 35mm pole socket |
| Coverage | 70° x 40° | 100° x 60° |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 85Hz (measured, independent data) | 65Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Weight | 38.8 lbs / 17.6 kg | 43.2 lbs / 19.6 kg |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 1.6kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Maximum SPL | - | 130dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| DSP | - | Yes, FiRPHASE, EQ, limiting and protection |
Related Speaker Comparisons
A few more comparisons worth a look in the same class:
- QSC K8.2 vs Yamaha DBR15
- RCF ART 735-A MK4 vs DAS Audio Vantec 15A
- Martin Audio XP15 vs DAS Audio Vantec 15A
- Behringer Eurolive B215XL vs Yamaha DBR15
- RCF ART 715-A MK4 vs Yamaha DBR15
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
Behringer Eurolive B215XL: $329.00 Amazon B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: High-quality independent measurement data gives a clear, well-documented result: a 2.71 ideal-subwoofer preference score with 77Hz extension. At a fraction of the price of every active speaker here, it is a genuine budget entry point for a 15-inch two-way box.
Cons: Being passive, it needs an external amplifier and crossover to work at all, and RMS power handling and build quality trail every powered alternative in this ranking. The 70° x 40° pattern is on the narrow side.
Full Behringer Eurolive B215XL review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | Passive speaker; use external amplification within the 1,000W peak handling rating |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 85Hz (measured, independent data) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Cabinet Material | Molded enclosure |
| Configuration | Passive 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker |
| Coverage | 70° x 40° |
| Dimensions | 27.4"H x 17.3"W x 13.2"D (695 x 440 x 335 mm) |
| Drivers | 15" woofer, 1.75" titanium-diaphragm compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 20kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Parallel professional twist-lock and quarter-inch inputs |
| Power Handling | 1,000W peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Rigging | Standard speaker-pole mount; optional wall bracket |
| Weight | 38.8 lbs / 17.6 kg |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
RCF ART 715-A MK4: $500.00 B&H Photo Video Guitar Center eBay
Pros: The 19.6kg cabinet combines 130dB claimed peak output, a broad horn and RCF’s FiRPHASE processing in a straightforward, affordable package for a 15-inch box.
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 715-A MK5 unless the used price is substantially lower.
Full RCF ART 715-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 | 100° x 60° |
| Crossover Frequency | 1.6kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| DSP | Yes, FiRPHASE, EQ, limiting and protection |
| Dimensions | 27.9"H x 17.2"W x 15.3"D (708 x 437 x 389 mm) |
| Drivers | 15" woofer, 1" compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 20kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR/jack combo input; XLR output |
| Maximum SPL | 130dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Rigging | Two M10 fly points; 35mm pole socket |
| Weight | 43.2 lbs / 19.6 kg |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons