Overview

The Yamaha CBR15 is a passive 2-way, bass-reflex 15-inch loudspeaker intended for FOH, DJ, and install use. It pairs a 15” LF driver (2.5” voice coil) with a compression driver using a 1.4” voice coil on a 90°×60° horn; the network crosses at 2.0 kHz. Manufacturer specs state frequency range (−10 dB) 46 Hz–20 kHz, sensitivity 96 dB (1 W/1 m), and peak (calculated) SPL 126 dB. The cabinet is plastic, 39.0 lb, with NL4 speakON and 1/4” inputs and a 50° wedge angle for floor monitoring. All figures in this paragraph are manufacturer specifications. [1][2]

Scientific Validity

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Independent third-party acoustic measurements (e.g., full on/off-axis FR traces, THD vs. level) for CBR15 are not readily available. We therefore rely on the maker’s stated data: 46 Hz–20 kHz (−10 dB), 96 dB sensitivity (1 W/1 m), nominal coverage 90°×60°, and peak (calculated) SPL 126 dB. Lacking verifiable third-party test conditions, this remains a provisional, mid-score assessment pending independent lab data. [1][3]

Technology Level

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This is a conventional, no-DSP passive 2-way. The components and topology (ferrite LF, compression HF, 2.0 kHz crossover, constant-directivity horn, HF protection) are standard for the class and do not exhibit novel acoustic or materials engineering beyond typical implementation. [1]

Cost-Performance

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Market price at review: 375.99 USD (street). Among passive 15” two-way speakers with equivalent-or-better user-visible functions and spec-level performance, the lowest-priced candidate we could confirm is JBL’s JRX215; however its current US price is 399 USD, i.e., higher than the CBR15. Therefore, as of this writing, we did not find a cheaper product meeting equivalence; CP is set to 1.0. (Equivalence note: JRX215 matches the function set and lists sensitivity 99 dB, maximum SPL 129 dB, and 41–18 kHz (−10 dB), satisfying the “equal-or-better” threshold on key axes by catalog spec.) [4][5][6]

Reliability & Support

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Yamaha specifies a 3-year warranty in the US/Canada for CBR-series passive loudspeakers. The ABS enclosure, steel grille, and HF protection circuit are practical reliability choices; passive architecture also removes common powered-box failure points (amplifier module/PSU). Global service coverage is mature, but the plastic enclosure and mid-tier build place long-term robustness at a solid—yet not exceptional—level. [1][7]

Rationality of Design Philosophy

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The product is utilitarian: money goes to drivers, a sensible horn, and a cabinet that supports main/monitor duties (50° wedge), with no marketing-heavy adornments. The trade-off is reliance on outboard amplification/DSP. Overall it’s a rational, purpose-driven design rather than an ambition to push state-of-the-art. [1][2]

Advice

Choose the CBR15 when you specifically need passive mains/monitors and already own appropriate amplifiers/DSP. If you want simpler rigs or features like built-in limiting/EQ, consider powered alternatives. For purely price-driven passive 15” choices, note that commonly cited competitors with comparable spec performance in the US (e.g., JBL JRX215) are not cheaper at the time of review; in that scenario, the CBR15 is an efficient buy. [4][5][6]

References

[1] Yamaha USA — “CBR series: Specs.” Frequency range (−10 dB), sensitivity (1 W/1 m), nominal dispersion, power ratings, connectors, weight. Accessed 2025-08-30. https://usa.yamaha.com/products/proaudio/speakers/cbr/specs.html

[2] Yamaha USA — “CBR series: Features.” Wedge angle 50° (floor monitoring). Accessed 2025-08-30. https://usa.yamaha.com/products/proaudio/speakers/cbr/features.html

[3] Yamaha — “CBR15 Technical Specifications (PDF).” Confirms 46 Hz–20 kHz (−10 dB), 96 dB sensitivity, 90°×60° coverage, 250 W noise / 500 W program / 1000 W peak. Accessed 2025-08-30. https://jp.yamaha.com/files/download/other_assets/4/332504/VHN5640_CBR15_TS_En_C0_views.pdf

[4] JBL Professional — “JRX215 Product Page.” Specs: 41 Hz–18 kHz (−10 dB), 99 dB sensitivity, 129 dB max SPL, 90°×50°. Accessed 2025-08-30. https://jblpro.com/en-US/products/jrx215

[5] JBL — “Pro Product Recommender.” Shows current US pricing for JRX215 at 399 USD. Accessed 2025-08-30. https://www.jbl.com/pro-product-recommender.html

[6] Sweetwater — “Yamaha CBR15 1000W 15 inch Passive Speaker.” Street price 375.99 USD. Accessed 2025-08-30. https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/CBR15–yamaha-cbr15-1000w-15-inch-passive-speaker

[7] Yamaha (US/Canada) — “Live Sound Products Warranty (PDF).” Lists CBR SERIES PASSIVE LOUDSPEAKERS: 3 years. Accessed 2025-08-30. https://usa.yamaha.com/files/ocp/en_us/support/warranty/live_sound/PAC_LIVE_SOUND_PRODUCTS_2015.pdf

(2025.8.30)