Short answer: choose between the RCF ART 735-A MK4 and Yamaha DBR15 by matching the speaker to the deployment rather than treating their ranking positions as a universal verdict. Coverage, cabinet format, bass extension, output capability, DSP, and service support all matter in a PA system. The RCF ART 735-A MK4 is discontinued; its replacement is the RCF ART 735-A MK5. If you are buying new, get the RCF ART 735-A MK5.
Why choose the RCF ART 735-A MK4. Its large 3-inch compression-driver voice coil, 132dB claimed peak and roughly 53Hz measured extension give it useful vocal headroom and bass reach. The 47.2 lbs (21.4 kg) enclosure remains manageable for a 15-inch box.
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 low-quality vendor data is truncated and does not yield a preference score. It is discontinued and eclipsed by current 9-series and MK5 models. 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 735-A MK4 when its stated coverage, output, processing, and installation format fit the job better.
Buy the Yamaha DBR15 when its stated strengths better suit the venue and the rest of the system.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete PA & Live Sound rankings.
A discontinued powered 15 inch PA speaker with strong vocal headroom and decent bass reach in a manageable cabinet.
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 735-A MK4 | Yamaha DBR15 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $888.00 Discontinued | $559.99 |
| Ranked | #51 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, 1.4” compression driver with 3” voice coil | 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 | 800Hz (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Cabinet Material | Polypropylene composite | Plastic |
| Rigging | Two M10 fly points; pole mount | 3 x M8 points; 35mm pole mount |
| Coverage | 100° x 60° | 90° x 60° (constant directivity horn) |
| Maximum SPL | 132dB peak (manufacturer specified) | 132dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 53Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | 53Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| DSP | Yes, FiRPHASE, EQ, limiting and protection | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Weight | 47.2 lbs (21.4 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 735-A MK4 (measured by the manufacturer) and Yamaha DBR15 (measured by the manufacturer), via spinorama.org.
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