We’re comparing the Yamaha DSR and QSC KW series speakers to give you our thoughts on which of these market-leading speakers we prefer and why.
Quick Answer: We prefer Yamaha’s DSR speakers over the QSC KWs as they have a flatter frequency response and represent better value for money. We’d still pick the DSR’s even if price wasn’t a factor.
Yamaha DSR vs. QSC KW Size Comparison
The Yamaha DSR speakers are slightly shorter than the QSC KW equivalent, but they are also slightly wider. We have no preference either way, so no one brand comes out on top in relation to size.
Both brands come in a range of sizes. Check out our guide on how to select the right speaker for your event for more guidance.
Yamaha DSR vs. QSC KW Sound Profiles
In a pinch, we’ve mixed Yamaha DSR and QSC KW speakers at conferences, and the sound was close enough for it to work. However, some distinct differences in their sound profiles may influence your choice if you have to pick one or the other.
Yamaha
We find the Yamaha DSR speaker has a flatter response compared to the QSC KW. This creates an excellent platform for mixing bands and creating the sound you want.
That said, if you activate the Deep Contour control on the back of the Yamaha, it sounds near enough the same as the QSC KW. Great for DJs who want a solid sound right out of the box.
QSC KW
In contrast to the Yamaha DSR, the QSC KW has a more embellished sound, making it easier for DJs to sound good without any additional effort.
Yamaha DSR vs. QSC KW Warranty & Price Range
We stocked up on Yamaha DSR speakers over QSC KWs because, with most other factors being equal, the Yamahas have a longer warranty and cost around $200 less.
As a business, if we can buy them for less, we can charge our customers less and spend less on maintenance. The Yamahas offer better value while still sounding great. We’d still pick them over the QSCs if price wasn’t a factor.
Yamaha DSR vs. QSC KW Specs
Yamaha DSR115 | QSC KW152 | |
Speaker Type | 5″ 2-way, Bi-amp powered Speaker, Bass-reflex Type | 15-inch 2-way trapezoidal |
Frequency range (-10dB) | 45Hz ~ 20kHz | 44 Hz to 20 kHz |
Frequency response | 55Hz ~ 18kHz (-3dB) | 47 Hz to 18 kHz (-6dB) |
Nominal coverage | H: 90 ° / V: 60° | 60° axisymmetric (-6dB) |
Output power | 1500W (LF: 1020W, HF: 480W) | 1000 W Class D (500 W LF + 500 W HF) continuous2000 W peak |
Maximum output level | 136dB SPL (1m; on axis) | 133 dB peak |
I/O Connectors | INPUT:XLR-3-31 x1 (Balanced) TRS Phone Jack x1 (Balanced), OUTPUT:XLR-3-32 x1 (Balanced), Parallel connection with INPUT | Balanced female XLR/¼⁻ᶦⁿᶜʰ line/mic level input, Balanced female XLR/¼⁻ᶦⁿᶜʰ line level input, Dual Balanced male XLR full range line level out , Balanced male XLR “mix” out, Stereo RCA line level input |
Dimensions (W x H x D) | 442 x 755 x 423 mm17.5 x 29.7 x 16.5 in | 445 x 816 x 386 mm17.5 x 32.1 x 15.2 in |
Weight | 28.0kg (62lbs) | 29 kg (64lbs) |
Equipment Used To Make The Accompanying Video
- Camera: https://currentprice.io/sony_a7iii
- Lens: https://currentprice.io/sigma_24_70
- Microphone: https://currentprice.io/sony_lav
- Studio Monitors: https://currentprice.io/hs5_monitor
- Video Recorder: https://currentprice.io/ninja_v
- Video Switcher For Live Stream: https://currentprice.io/atem_minipro
- Key Light: https://currentprice.io/celeb_250
- Fill Light: https://currentprice.io/astera_ax1
- Uplight: https://currentprice.io/astera_ax5
- Truss: https://currentprice.io/truss_black
- Editing Computer: https://currentprice.io/mac_mini
- Editing Monitor: https://currentprice.io/lg_32in_4k
