Yamaha DBR15 vs Audiofocus VENU 15a

Short answer: the DBR15, and pair either one with a subwoofer. These rank #28 and #29 of 29 15-inch powered PA speakers, priced $2656 apart, and both carry real measured weaknesses worth knowing before buying.

Both measure poorly for the class, but the VENU 15a measures worse. The DBR15’s medium-quality vendor data shows a 2.43 ideal-subwoofer preference score, one of the weaker results in this size class and well below its own smaller DBR12’s measured result, so a subwoofer partner matters more here than with most alternatives. The VENU 15a’s low-quality vendor data shows a 0.72 preference score with bass extension only to roughly 106Hz, the weakest measured result in this entire ranking, and its own cons describe it as voiced as a subwoofer-dependent top rather than a stand-alone full-range box.

The DBR15 offers more everyday convenience. It 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, useful for a small act plugging in directly. The VENU 15a instead offers a wider 100° x 60° horn and a higher 136dB claimed peak for stage use, at 22.5kg manageable for a 15-inch touring box, but without any onboard mixing.

Buy the DBR15 if you want a built-in mixer and the comparatively less severe measured shortfall, always paired with a subwoofer.

Buy the VENU 15a only if the wider horn coverage and higher claimed SPL matter more than measured bass accuracy, and you are committed to running it with a subwoofer from the start.

If sound quality matters at all to you, skip both of these and look higher up the 29 15-inch two-way powered pa speakers instead.

Specifications Side By Side

Related Speaker Comparisons

A few more comparisons worth a look in the same class:

• DAS Audio Vantec 15A vs RCF ART 715-A MK4
• Behringer Eurolive B215XL vs RCF ART 715-A MK4
• DAS Audio Vantec 15A vs Behringer Eurolive B215XL
• RCF ART 715-A MK4 vs Audiofocus VENU 15a
• QSC K8.2 vs Yamaha DBR15

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.

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The Two Speakers In Full

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
  • Yamaha DBR15 Product Information
• Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
  • Spinorama Measurements
• Head-to-Head Comparisons
  • Yamaha DBR15 vs RCF ART 715-A MK4
  • Yamaha DBR15 vs Behringer Eurolive B215XL
  • Yamaha DBR15 vs QSC K8.2

Audiofocus VENU 15a: $3,220.00 eBay

Pros: A 100° x 60° horn and 136dB claimed peak give it wide coverage and high maximum output for stage use, and its 22.5kg weight is manageable for a 15-inch touring box.

Cons: Low-quality vendor data shows a 0.72 ideal-subwoofer preference score with bass extension only to roughly 106Hz, the weakest measured result in this entire ranking; this cabinet is voiced as a subwoofer-dependent top rather than a stand-alone full-range box.

Full Audiofocus VENU 15a review and specifications →

Amplifier Power	Self-powered Class D amplifier; output rating not published by AUDIOFOCUS in the current specification
Bass Extension (-3dB)	106Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data)
Bluetooth	No
Cabinet Material	High-grade birch plywood with polyurea coating
Configuration	Active 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker
Coverage	100° x 60°
DSP	Yes
Dimensions	25.1"H x 16.8"W x 16.2"D (638 x 426 x 412 mm)
Drivers	15" woofer, compression driver
Frequency Response	47Hz - 20kHz (-6dB, manufacturer specified)
Inputs	Three-pin XLR input and link output
Maximum SPL	136dB peak (manufacturer specified)
Rigging	Adjustable pole mount and M8 threaded inserts
Weight	49.6 lbs / 22.5 kg

• Links
  • Audiofocus VENU 15a Product Information
• Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
  • Spinorama Measurements
• Head-to-Head Comparisons
  • Audiofocus VENU 15a vs RCF ART 715-A MK4