Short answer: the Yamaha DXR15mkIII, if you are buying new. The Yamaha DXR15mkII ranks higher than the Electro-Voice MFX-15MC (#26 vs #29 of 76 15-inch pa speakers) but is discontinued; its replacement, the Yamaha DXR15mkIII, is rated 3.8/5 at $1,099.99 and is still sold new.
The DXR15mkII is a proven, self-powered workhorse. Medium-quality vendor data shows a 4.98 ideal-subwoofer preference score with 61Hz measured extension, and Yamaha’s FIR-X processing and D-CONTOUR presets simplify setup. The preference score sits mid-pack for this ranking, and it lacks app control or Bluetooth audio found on some newer competitors.
The MFX-15MC is a coaxial monitor design, not a conventional powered top. Medium-quality vendor data returns a 5.01 preference score with 67Hz measured extension, the strongest result of any coaxial monitor in this ranking. The coaxial 15-inch design gives compact 60° x 40° coverage and a claimed 135dB peak with recommended amplification, but this is not self-powered: it requires an external amplifier and can run passive or externally bi-amplified, so it’s less convenient than every conventional powered cabinet here. The narrow pattern is aimed primarily at stage-monitor and short-throw fill use rather than wide-audience main duty.
What the MFX-15MC adds:
- Coaxial LF/MF and HF driver alignment for tight, single-point-source dispersion.
- A rotatable 60° x 40° horn for stage-monitor or short-throw fill aiming.
- Neutrik NL4 speakON input with pass-through, versus the DXR15mkII’s XLR/quarter-inch/RCA inputs.
Buy the DXR15mkII if you want a self-powered box with no external amplifier to configure.
Buy the MFX-15MC if you’re building a stage-monitor or coaxial fill system and already have external amplification in place.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete PA & Live Sound rankings.
A proven, widely available powered 15 inch PA speaker with presets that make setup simple.
A coaxial 15 inch stage monitor with loud peaks and a tight pattern for stage monitoring and short throw fill.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Yamaha DXR15mkII | Electro-Voice MFX-15MC | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $798.00 Discontinued | $3,170.67 Passive |
| Ranked | #26 of 76 in 15-Inch PA Speakers | #29 of 76 in 15-Inch PA Speakers |
| Passive | No | Yes |
| Configuration | Active 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker | Passive or externally bi-amplified 2-way coaxial PA monitor |
| Drivers | 15” woofer, 1.75” compression driver | 15” coaxial LF/MF driver, 3” HF compression driver |
| Frequency Response | 49Hz - 20kHz (-10dB, manufacturer specified) | 52Hz - 18kHz (-3dB, manufacturer specified); 45Hz - 19kHz (-10dB) |
| Dimensions | 27.6”H x 17.5”W x 15”D (700 x 445 x 380 mm) | 23.6”H x 19.7”W x 13.3”D (600 x 500 x 339 mm) |
| Maximum SPL | 134dB peak (manufacturer specified) | 135dB peak with recommended amplification |
| Inputs | XLR, dual 1/4-inch, stereo RCA; XLR thru and link outputs | Neutrik NL4 input with NL4 pass-through |
| Amplifier Power | 1100W dynamic / 700W continuous (950W LF + 150W HF dynamic) | Passive/bi-amp speaker; use external amplification within the 500W continuous / 3,500W peak handling rating |
| Cabinet Material | Matte-finish ABS | 12-18mm Baltic birch plywood with EVCoat finish |
| Rigging | 3 x M10 points; 35mm dual-angle pole mount | Four M10 suspension points; integrated 35mm pole cup |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 67Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) | 75Hz (measured, vendor Spinorama data) |
| DSP | Yes | Requires external amplifier/DSP settings |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Weight | 48.1 lbs (21.8 kg) | 50.7 lbs (23 kg) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.28 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 4.98 | - |
| XLR Input | Yes | No |
| 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) | 60° x 40°, rotatable |
| Power Handling | - | 500W continuous / 3,500W peak (manufacturer specified) |
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 DXR15mkII (measured by the manufacturer) and Electro-Voice MFX-15MC (measured by the manufacturer), via spinorama.org.
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