Short answer: the RCF ART 945-A. Both are rated 4.4/5 for sound quality (#1 and #2 of 76 15-inch pa speakers), and the RCF ART 945-A costs $2,099 against $4,180 for the L-Acoustics X15 HiQ, with sound quality a draw, the lower price decides it.
The L-Acoustics X15 HiQ is the more accurate option. An excellent sounding 15 inch PA speaker, a compact coaxial stage monitor with very clean vocals and loud peaks. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.31 against 4.50 for the RCF ART 945-A. Watch for: This passive monitor needs an L-Acoustics amplified controller such as the LA4X or LA12X to work at all.
The RCF ART 945-A is the deeper-bass pick. A 15 inch PA speaker with very high output and good sound, and light for its size. Its bass reaches about 50.5Hz before falling 3dB, against 73Hz for the L-Acoustics X15 HiQ. Watch for: Pricing and wide retail distribution are not yet well established for this model, and the RCF ART9 range above the RCF ART 912-A and RCF ART 932-A pair has a shorter market track record.
Buy the RCF ART 945-A. Both are rated the same for sound quality, and it costs $2,081 less than the L-Acoustics X15 HiQ.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete PA & Live Sound rankings.
Prices on this page were last checked November 7, 2026 at 7:34 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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Specifications Side By Side
| L-Acoustics X15 HiQ | RCF ART 945-A | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4,180 Passive | $2,099.00 |
| Ranked | #2 of 76 in 15-Inch PA Speakers | #1 of 76 in 15-Inch PA Speakers |
| Passive | Yes | No |
| Configuration | Passive 2-way coaxial PA stage monitor | Active 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker |
| Drivers | 15” neodymium woofer, 3” neodymium compression driver (coaxial) | 15” woofer, 1.4” exit/3” diaphragm compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 20kHz (manufacturer specified) | 45Hz - 20kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Speakon input and link | XLR and 1/4-inch jack input; XLR output |
| Amplifier Power | Passive speaker; requires an L-Acoustics amplified controller (LA4X, LA12X or LA7.16i) | 2100W peak (1400W LF + 700W HF) |
| Cabinet Material | Baltic birch and beech plywood | PP composite |
| Rigging | Two handles, M8 and four M10 threaded inserts, two 35mm pole sockets | M10 inserts; 35mm pole mount |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 73Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | 50.5Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Coverage | 40° x 60° | 100° x 60° |
| Maximum SPL | 138dB (manufacturer specified) | 135dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| DSP | No (passive; processing and protection come from the amplified controller) | Yes, FiRPHASE and Bass Motion Control |
| Weight | 46.3 lbs (21 kg) | 49.4 lbs (22.4 kg) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.31 | 4.50 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.06 | 6.69 |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| XLR Input | No | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | No | Yes |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Microphone Input | No | No |
| Guitar Input | No | No |
| Dimensions | - | 28.2”H x 16.3”W x 16.1”D (717 x 415 x 410 mm) |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 650Hz |
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