Short answer: choose between the RCF ART 745-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 745-A MK5. 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.
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 measurement is truncated and cannot generate a preference score, so its tonal position relies on published engineering rather than a confirmed result. 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 745-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.
Still deciding? The full PA & Live Sound rankings cover every ranked option.
A light powered 15 inch PA speaker with loud peaks and a large compression driver for strong vocals.
A light, affordable 15 inch powered PA speaker with a built in two channel mixer for mics, instruments and line sources.
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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Specifications Side By Side
| RCF ART 745-A MK5 | Yamaha DBR15 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,149.00 | $559.99 |
| Ranked | #35 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” exit/3” diaphragm 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 | 133dB 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 | 650Hz | - |
| 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 | 41.4 lbs (18.8 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 745-A MK5 (measured by the manufacturer) and Yamaha DBR15 (measured by the manufacturer), via spinorama.org.
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for RCF ART 745-A MK5: