Short answer: the FBT J15A. It ranks #38 of 62 15-inch pa speakers by sound quality, rated 3.3/5, at $563. The Yamaha CBR15 ranks #59, rated 2.7/5, at $384, $179 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
The FBT J15A is the better-sounding choice. Medium-quality vendor data shows a 3.87 ideal-subwoofer preference score with 61Hz measured extension, extending the compact, wedge-capable J-series design used by the FBT J12A and FBT J8A to a 15-inch woofer. Watch for: The preference score is on the lower end for this ranking, and detailed coverage, SPL and weight figures were not confirmed in local data.
Why pick the Yamaha CBR15: The passive version of the measured Yamaha DBR15, sharing its 15” woofer, compression driver and lightweight polypropylene cabinet with 90° x 60° coverage. The tradeoff: No independent measurements yet, so it can’t be compared with ranked PA speakers.
Buy the FBT J15A. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $179 you would save on the Yamaha CBR15 does not close the gap.
Worth knowing: the Yamaha CBR15 has not been measured yet. Its rating is estimated from related models, with a likely range of 2.3 to 3.1, so treat this verdict as provisional.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete PA & Live Sound rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| FBT J15A | Yamaha CBR15 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $563 | $384.00 Passive |
| Ranked | #38 of 62 in 15-Inch PA Speakers | #59 of 62 in 15-Inch PA Speakers Estimated |
| Passive | No | Yes |
| Configuration | Active 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker | Passive 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker |
| Drivers | 15” woofer, compression driver | 15” woofer, 1” voice coil compression driver |
| Dimensions | 26.1”H x 16.1”W x 15.2”D (663 x 410 x 387 mm) | - |
| Crossover Frequency | 1.8kHz (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Frequency Response | 48Hz - 20kHz (manufacturer specified) | 46Hz - 20kHz (-10dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR/jack input with link output | - |
| Amplifier Power | 450W RMS (350W LF + 100W HF); 900W peak (700W LF + 200W HF) | Passive speaker; requires external amplification |
| Cabinet Material | Polypropylene | - |
| Rigging | Two M10 fly points; pole socket | 3 x M8 inserts; 35mm pole socket |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 63Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | - |
| DSP | Yes | No (passive) |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 1.16 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 3.87 | - |
| XLR Input | Yes | No |
| RCA Input | No | - |
| TRS Input | Yes | - |
| Optical Input | No | - |
| Coaxial Input | No | - |
| USB Input | No | - |
| HDMI Input | No | - |
| AES Input | No | - |
| Aux Input | No | - |
| Microphone Input | No | - |
| Guitar Input | No | - |
| Maximum SPL | 129dB (manufacturer specified) | 126dB (calculated, manufacturer specified) |
| Coverage | 90° x 60° | 90° x 60° |
| Weight | 33.3 lbs (15.12 kg) | 39 lbs (17.7 kg) |
| Power Handling | - | 1,000W peak |
| Sensitivity | - | 96dB |
| Impedance | - | 8 ohms |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How FBT J15A compares with other leading options:
- LD Systems Stinger 15-A-G3 vs FBT J15A
- RCF ART 745-A MK4 vs FBT J15A
- Martin Audio CDD15 vs FBT J15A
- FBT J15A vs Martin Audio XP15
- FBT J15A vs RCF ART 735-A MK4
Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 PM 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
FBT J15A: $563 Thomann eBay
Same family: the FBT J5A (smaller model, rated 2.9/5).
Pros: Medium-quality vendor data shows a 3.87 ideal-subwoofer preference score with 61Hz measured extension, extending the compact, wedge-capable J-series design used by the FBT J12A and FBT J8A to a 15-inch woofer. Measured bass extension of 63Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The preference score is on the lower end for this ranking, and detailed coverage, SPL and weight figures were not confirmed in local data.
Full FBT J15A review and specifications →
| Released | 2013 (13 years ago) |
|---|---|
| AES Input | No |
| Amplifier Power | 450W RMS (350W LF + 100W HF); 900W peak (700W LF + 200W HF) |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 63Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Cabinet Material | Polypropylene |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Configuration | Active 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker |
| Coverage | 90° x 60° |
| Crossover Frequency | 1.8kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| DSP | Yes |
| Dimensions | 26.1”H x 16.1”W x 15.2”D (663 x 410 x 387 mm) |
| Drivers | 15” woofer, compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 48Hz - 20kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Guitar Input | No |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR/jack input with link output |
| Maximum SPL | 129dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Microphone Input | No |
| Optical Input | No |
| Passive | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Rigging | Two M10 fly points; pole socket |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 1.16 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 3.87 |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 33.3 lbs (15.12 kg) |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Yamaha CBR15: $384.00 Passive Estimated B&H Photo Video eBay
Same family: the Yamaha DBR10 (smallest powered model, rated 3.4/5), the Yamaha DBR12 (powered model, rated 3.6/5), the Yamaha DBR15 (largest powered model, ranked higher, rated 2.9/5), the Yamaha CBR10 (smaller passive model, estimated 3.2/5) and the Yamaha CBR12 (smaller passive model, estimated 3.4/5).
Pros: The passive version of the measured Yamaha DBR15, sharing its 15” woofer, compression driver and lightweight polypropylene cabinet with 90° x 60° coverage. Yamaha rates it at 96dB sensitivity, 126dB maximum SPL and bass to 46Hz (-10dB), and at 17.7 kg it is one of the lighter 15-inch boxes.
Cons: No independent measurements yet, so it can’t be compared with ranked PA speakers. It needs an external amplifier, and without the powered model’s DSP its response depends on the amplifier’s EQ. The measured powered version is a budget design, so expect the same limits on output and smoothness.
Full Yamaha CBR15 review and specifications →
| Released | Dec 2014 (11 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | Passive speaker; requires external amplification |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Configuration | Passive 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker |
| Coverage | 90° x 60° |
| DSP | No (passive) |
| Drivers | 15” woofer, 1” voice coil compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 46Hz - 20kHz (-10dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms |
| Maximum SPL | 126dB (calculated, manufacturer specified) |
| Passive | Yes |
| Power Handling | 1,000W peak |
| Rigging | 3 x M8 inserts; 35mm pole socket |
| Sensitivity | 96dB |
| Weight | 39 lbs (17.7 kg) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- No independent measurement review is linked for this model; it is ranked from hands-on listening and comparison against similarly priced speakers.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons