Short answer: choose between the RCF ART 715-A MK5 and Yamaha DBR15 for the requirements of the venue and system, not from rank alone. In this size class, coverage, bass extension, output capability, DSP, cabinet construction, and service support often decide the better fit.
Why choose the RCF ART 715-A MK5. A compact, affordable RCF with 130dB claimed output and FiRPHASE processing, extending the well-regarded ART 712-A MK5’s simple, subwoofer-paired design to a 15-inch woofer for deeper reach.
Why choose the Yamaha DBR15. Yamaha’s most portable 15-inch powered speaker 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.
What to weigh before buying. The local low-quality manufacturer data has no computed preference score, making its measured tonal position uncertain. The smaller compression-driver assembly offers less vocal headroom than the ART 735-A MK5. 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 RCF ART 715-A MK5 when its stated coverage, output, processing, and deployment format best match the job.
Buy the Yamaha DBR15 when its stated strengths are the better match for the room and the rest of the PA.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete PA & Live Sound rankings.
An affordable, compact powered 15 inch PA speaker with loud output and simple onboard processing.
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 MK5 | Yamaha DBR15 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $649.00 | $559.99 |
| Ranked | #30 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) |
| Coverage | 90° x 60° | 90° x 60° (constant directivity horn) |
| Maximum SPL | 130dB peak (manufacturer specified) | 132dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR and 1/4-inch jack input; XLR output | 2 x XLR/TRS combo and stereo RCA; XLR output |
| Amplifier Power | 1400W peak (1000W LF + 400W HF) | 1000W dynamic / 465W continuous (800W LF + 200W HF dynamic) |
| Crossover Frequency | 1600Hz | - |
| Cabinet Material | PP composite | Plastic |
| Rigging | 2 x M10 inserts; 35mm pole mount | 3 x M8 points; 35mm pole mount |
| 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 MK5 (measured by the manufacturer) and Yamaha DBR15 (measured by the manufacturer), via spinorama.org.
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