Short answer: the ART 715-A MK4. Its measured tonal position is unconfirmed but not flagged as weak, while the DBR15’s own data shows one of the poorer results in this class. These rank #62 and #65 out of 76 15-inch powered PA speakers, priced at $500 and $559.99. The RCF ART 715-A MK4 is discontinued; its replacement is the RCF ART 715-A MK5. If you are buying new, get the RCF ART 715-A MK5.
The ART 715-A MK4 is an affordable, discontinued RCF. The 43.2 lbs (19.6 kg) cabinet combines 130dB claimed peak output, a broad horn and RCF’s FiRPHASE processing in a straightforward, affordable package for a 15-inch box, with measured bass extension to 65Hz. Its own cons note the low-quality vendor measurement is truncated and can’t 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.
The DBR15 is Yamaha’s most portable 15-inch, but its own measured data is weak. It carries the same DSP and amplification platform as the DXR and DZR series, with a built-in 2-channel mixer accepting XLR, 1/4-inch, RCA and 3.5mm sources. Its own cons are blunt: medium-quality vendor data shows a 2.87 ideal-subwoofer preference score, one of the weaker results in this ranking and well below the DBR12’s own measured result, so a subwoofer partner matters more here than with most alternatives.
Buy the ART 715-A MK4 for a lower measurement-confidence risk than the DBR15’s own flagged weak result, especially at a discounted used price.
Buy the DBR15 only if you need Yamaha’s built-in mixer and lightweight 42.5 lbs (19.3 kg) cabinet, and plan to run it with a subwoofer from the start.
Want more options? Browse the full PA & Live Sound rankings.
A discontinued, affordable powered 15 inch PA speaker with a broad horn and simple controls for straightforward gigs.
A light, affordable 15 inch powered PA speaker with a built in two channel mixer for mics, instruments and line sources.
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Specifications Side By Side
| RCF ART 715-A MK4 | Yamaha DBR15 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $500.00 Discontinued | $559.99 |
| Ranked | #62 of 76 in 15-Inch PA Speakers | #65 of 76 in 15-Inch PA Speakers |
| Passive | No | No |
| Configuration | Active 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker | Active 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker |
| Drivers | 15” woofer, 1” compression driver | 15” woofer, 1.4” compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 20kHz (manufacturer specified) | 50Hz - 20kHz (-10dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | 27.9”H x 17.2”W x 15.3”D (708 x 437 x 389 mm) | 27.6”H x 17.9”W x 14.9”D (700 x 455 x 378 mm) |
| Inputs | XLR/jack combo input; XLR output | 2 x XLR/TRS combo and stereo RCA; XLR output |
| Amplifier Power | 1,400W peak / 700W RMS (1,000W LF + 400W HF peak, manufacturer specified) | 1000W dynamic / 465W continuous (800W LF + 200W HF dynamic) |
| Crossover Frequency | 1.6kHz (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Cabinet Material | Polypropylene composite | Plastic |
| Rigging | Two M10 fly points; 35mm pole socket | 3 x M8 points; 35mm pole mount |
| Coverage | 100° x 60° | 90° x 60° (constant directivity horn) |
| Maximum SPL | 130dB peak (manufacturer specified) | 132dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 65Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | 53Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| DSP | Yes, FiRPHASE, EQ, limiting and protection | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Weight | 43.2 lbs (19.6 kg) | 42.5 lbs (19.3 kg) |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | Yes |
| TRS Input | Yes | 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 |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 0.49 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 2.87 |
Frequency Response Compared
Both speakers’ spinorama measurements, overlaid. A flatter line is more neutral: peaks sound forward or harsh, dips sound recessed. Each curve is shifted so its average from 300 Hz to 3 kHz sits at 0 dB, so loudness differences between the two are removed and only the shape is compared.
Measurement data: RCF ART 715-A MK4 (measured by the manufacturer) and Yamaha DBR15 (measured by the manufacturer), via spinorama.org.
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