Short answer: the ART 745-A MK5, by a wide margin. These rank #35 and #36 out of 76 15-inch powered PA speakers, priced at $1,149 and $2,500, a $1,351 difference.
The ART 745-A MK5 is light, self-powered, and tops RCF’s ART7 range. The top of the ART7 range pairs 133dB claimed peak output with a light 41.4 lbs (18.8 kg) enclosure, RCF’s largest ART7-tier compression driver and FiRPHASE processing carried over from the smaller 712/732-A MK5 models. The low-quality vendor measurement is truncated and can’t generate a preference score, so its tonal position relies on published engineering rather than a confirmed result.
The A-15 is passive, heavier, and its measured bass extension is shallow. Low-quality vendor data shows a 4.57 ideal-subwoofer preference score, and the passive point-source design keeps amplification and DSP choices flexible for installers building out a system. Being passive, it needs an external amplifier and processing to perform correctly, adding cost and complexity that self-powered rivals avoid, and measured bass extension is shallow at roughly 118Hz, so a subwoofer is effectively mandatory. At 59.5 lbs (27 kg) it’s also heavier than the ART 745-A MK5.
Buy the ART 745-A MK5 for self-powered convenience and lighter weight, even without a confirmed preference score to compare directly against the A-15’s documented 4.57.
Buy the A-15 only if you’re already committed to external amplification and passive system design, since its measured bass extension is meaningfully shallower.
Want more options? Browse the full PA & Live Sound rankings.
A light powered 15 inch PA speaker with loud peaks and a large compression driver for strong vocals.
A passive 15 inch PA speaker for installers who want to choose their own amplification and processing.
Prices on this page were last checked October 23, 2026 at 8:27 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.
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Specifications Side By Side
| RCF ART 745-A MK5 | Vue Audiotechnik A-15 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,149.00 | $2,500 Passive |
| Ranked | #35 of 76 in 15-Inch PA Speakers | #36 of 76 in 15-Inch PA Speakers |
| Passive | No | Yes |
| Configuration | Active 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker | Passive 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker |
| Drivers | 15” woofer, 1.4” exit/3” diaphragm compression driver | 15” woofer, compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 20kHz (manufacturer specified) | 52Hz - 18kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | 27.9”H x 17.2”W x 15.3”D (708 x 437 x 389 mm) | 28.2” x 17.7” x 17.7” (716 x 450 x 450 mm) |
| Coverage | 90° x 60° | 70° x 55° |
| Maximum SPL | 133dB peak (manufacturer specified) | 131dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR and 1/4-inch jack input; XLR output | 2x Neutrik NL-4 Speakon (switchable single-amp or bi-amp modes) |
| Amplifier Power | 1400W peak (1000W LF + 400W HF) | Passive speaker; use external amplification within the 600W average / 1,200W program handling rating |
| Crossover Frequency | 650Hz | - |
| Cabinet Material | PP composite | Multi-ply cross-grain laminated birch plywood |
| Rigging | 2 x M10 inserts; 35mm pole mount | Integrated fly points and pole-mount system |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 65Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | 118Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| DSP | Yes, FiRPHASE, EQ, limiting and protection | No (passive, passive crossover with passive/bi-amp switch) |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Weight | 41.4 lbs (18.8 kg) | 59.5 lbs (27 kg) |
| XLR Input | Yes | No |
| RCA Input | No | - |
| TRS Input | Yes | - |
| Optical Input | No | - |
| Coaxial Input | No | - |
| USB Input | No | - |
| HDMI Input | No | - |
| AES Input | No | - |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Microphone Input | No | No |
| Guitar Input | No | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 0.95 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 4.57 |
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 745-A MK5 (measured by the manufacturer) and Vue Audiotechnik A-15 (measured by the manufacturer), via spinorama.org.
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