Short answer: the DBR15, and pair either one with a subwoofer, though neither ranks well in its class. These rank #65 and #72 of 76 15-inch powered PA speakers, priced $2,660.01 apart, and both carry real measured weaknesses worth knowing before buying. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 76 15-inch pa speakers, and the RCF ART 945-A, ranked #1 at $2,099, is a better place to start if sound quality matters.
Both measure poorly for the class, but the VENU 15a measures worse. The DBR15’s medium-quality vendor data shows a 2.87 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 1.04 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 49.6 lbs (22.5 kg) 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.
Still deciding? The full PA & Live Sound rankings cover every ranked option.
A light, affordable 15 inch powered PA speaker with a built in two channel mixer for mics, instruments and line sources.
A powered 15 inch stage speaker with wide coverage and high output, meant to be paired with subwoofers.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Yamaha DBR15 | Audiofocus VENU 15a | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $559.99 | $3,220 |
| Ranked | #65 of 76 in 15-Inch PA Speakers | #72 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 | 15” woofer, compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 20kHz (-10dB, manufacturer specified) | 47Hz - 20kHz (-6dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | 27.6”H x 17.9”W x 14.9”D (700 x 455 x 378 mm) | 25.1”H x 16.8”W x 16.2”D (638 x 426 x 412 mm) |
| Maximum SPL | 132dB peak (manufacturer specified) | 136dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | 2 x XLR/TRS combo and stereo RCA; XLR output | Three-pin XLR input and link output |
| Amplifier Power | 1000W dynamic / 465W continuous (800W LF + 200W HF dynamic) | Self-powered Class D amplifier; output rating not published by AUDIOFOCUS in the current specification |
| Cabinet Material | Plastic | High-grade birch plywood with polyurea coating |
| Rigging | 3 x M8 points; 35mm pole mount | Adjustable pole mount and M8 threaded inserts |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 53Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | 106Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| DSP | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Weight | 42.5 lbs (19.3 kg) | 49.6 lbs (22.5 kg) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 0.49 | -2.63 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 2.87 | 1.04 |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes | No |
| TRS Input | Yes | No |
| 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 |
| Coverage | 90° x 60° (constant directivity horn) | 100° x 60° |
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: Yamaha DBR15 (measured by the manufacturer) and Audiofocus VENU 15a (measured by the manufacturer), via spinorama.org.
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