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.
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 21.4kg 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 2.43 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.
Skip both if sound quality is the priority. There are better options higher up the 29 15-inch two-way powered pa speakers.
Specifications Side By Side
| RCF ART 735-A MK4 | Yamaha DBR15 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $888.00 | $564.00 |
| Ranked | #24 of 29 in 15-Inch Two-Way Powered PA Speakers | #28 of 29 in 15-Inch Two-Way Powered PA Speakers |
| 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° | - |
| 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 |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:
- Yamaha DXR12mkII vs RCF ART 715-A MK4
- QSC K12.2 vs RCF ART 715-A MK4
- Yamaha DXR15mkII vs RCF ART 715-A MK4
- Yamaha DXR15mkII vs Yamaha DBR15
- RCF ART 735-A MK4 vs RCF ART 715-A MK4
Prices on this page were last checked September 7, 2026 at 7:47 AM 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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
The Two Speakers In Full
RCF ART 735-A MK4: $888.00 B&H Photo Video Guitar Center eBay
Pros: 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 21.4kg enclosure remains manageable for a 15-inch box.
Cons: 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.
Full RCF ART 735-A MK4 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 1,400W peak / 700W RMS (1,000W LF + 400W HF peak, manufacturer specified) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 53Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Cabinet Material | Polypropylene composite |
| Configuration | Active 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker |
| Coverage | 100° x 60° |
| Crossover Frequency | 800Hz (manufacturer specified) |
| DSP | Yes, FiRPHASE, EQ, limiting and protection |
| Dimensions | 27.9"H x 17.2"W x 15.3"D (708 x 437 x 389 mm) |
| Drivers | 15" woofer, 1.4" compression driver with 3" voice coil |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 20kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR/jack combo input; XLR output |
| Maximum SPL | 132dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Rigging | Two M10 fly points; pole mount |
| Weight | 47.2 lbs / 21.4 kg |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- RCF ART 735-A MK4 vs Martin Audio XP15
- RCF ART 735-A MK4 vs DAS Audio Vantec 15A
- RCF ART 735-A MK4 vs FBT J15A
- RCF ART 735-A MK4 vs Behringer Eurolive B215XL
- RCF ART 735-A MK4 vs RCF ART 715-A MK4
- RCF ART 735-A MK4 vs RCF ART 745-A MK4
- RCF ART 735-A MK4 vs RCF ART 745-A MK5
- RCF ART 735-A MK4 vs RCF NX 915-A
- See all 19 comparisons
Yamaha DBR15: $564.00 B&H Photo Video Guitar Center eBay
Pros: 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.
Cons: Medium-quality vendor data shows a 2.43 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.
Full Yamaha DBR15 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 1000W dynamic / 465W continuous (800W LF + 200W HF dynamic) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 53Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Cabinet Material | Plastic |
| Configuration | Active 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker |
| DSP | Yes |
| Dimensions | 27.6"H x 17.9"W x 14.9"D (700 x 455 x 378 mm) |
| Drivers | 15" woofer, 1.4" compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 20kHz (-10dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | 2 x XLR/TRS combo and stereo RCA; XLR output |
| Maximum SPL | 132dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Rigging | 3 x M8 points; 35mm pole mount |
| Weight | 42.5 lbs / 19.3 kg |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons