Short answer: the JTR Speakers Growler (2015). Its 12-inch ported driver reaches a 130.2dB CEA-2010-A average, nearly matching the class leader for less money than the Chase, which delivers 125.2dB from an 18-inch sealed cabinet. The Growler trades sealed-cabinet room modes for ported room interaction at 45 kg (99.2 lbs), while the Chase is a passive design needing external amplification.
On the Chase Home Theater SS18.1 side: 18-inch sealed driver delivers 125.2dB CEA-2010-A average from a dedicated cinema-style sealed cabinet. The catch: Passive design needs external amplification, 41 kg (90.4 lbs) weight, and sealed design room modes.
The case for the JTR Speakers Growler (2015): 12-inch ported driver reaches 130.2dB CEA-2010-A average, nearly matching the class leader for about $496 less. The catch: Ported design room interaction, 45 kg (99.2 lbs) size, and $2,995 cost.
One note: the Chase Home Theater SS18.1 is no longer sold new, but at #32 of 110 subwoofers by sound quality it still outranks most current models, so used is worth considering.
Buy the JTR Speakers Growler (2015). It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $496 you would save on the Chase Home Theater SS18.1 does not close the gap.
Still deciding? The full Subwoofers rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Chase Home Theater SS18.1 | JTR Speakers Growler (2015) | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2499 Passive, Discontinued | $2995 Passive |
| Ranked | #32 of 110 in Large Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs) | #13 of 110 in Large Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs) |
| Enclosure | sealed | ported, front |
| Passive | Yes | Yes |
| Output SPL at 12.5 Hz | 92.8 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | 97.2 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 101.3 dB | 92.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 106.0 dB | 97.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 111.6 dB | 106.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 118.2 dB | 122.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 123.6 dB | 130.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 128.1 dB | 133.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 130.8 dB | 134.4 dB |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | 132.6 dB | 135.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | 133.7 dB | 136.0 dB |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 125.2 dB | 130.2 dB |
| Dimensions | 22"H x 24"W x 22"D (558.8 x 609.6 x 558.8 mm) | 22.5"H x 30"W x 20"D (571.5 x 762.0 x 508.0 mm) |
| Measurement Source | Data-bass | Data-bass |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| Weight | 89.9 lbs (40.8 kg) | 100.1 lbs (45.4 kg) |
| Drivers | 18" (457mm) driver | 12" (305mm) driver |
| Country | USA | United States |
| Warranty | - | 5 years |
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- JTR Speakers Growler (2015) vs Pro Audio Technology LFC-24sm
- JTR Speakers Captivator S2 vs JTR Speakers Growler (2015)
- JTR Speakers Growler (2015) vs Funk Audio Ultra 24.0
- Danley Sound Labs DTS10 vs JTR Speakers Growler (2015)
Prices on this page were last checked September 23, 2026 at 11:24 PM 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
Chase Home Theater SS18.1: $2499 Passive, Discontinued eBay
Pros: 18-inch sealed driver delivers 125.2dB CEA-2010-A average from a dedicated cinema-style sealed cabinet.
Cons: Passive design needs external amplification, 41 kg weight, and sealed design room modes. Discontinued.
Full Chase Home Theater SS18.1 review and specifications →
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 125.2 dB |
|---|---|
| Country | USA |
| Dimensions | 22"H x 24"W x 22"D (558.8 x 609.6 x 558.8 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 18" (457mm) driver |
| Enclosure | sealed |
| Measurement Source | Data-bass |
| Output SPL at 12.5 Hz | 92.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | 97.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 101.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 106.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 111.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 118.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 123.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 128.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 130.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | 132.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | 133.7 dB |
| Passive | Yes |
| Weight | 89.9 lbs (40.8 kg) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Independently measured by Data-bass; the published figures above come from this ASR subwoofer measurement thread.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Chase Home Theater SS18.1 vs JBL 4645C
- Chase Home Theater SS18.1 vs Reaction Audio PV-15X
- Chase Home Theater SS18.1 vs Monoprice Monolith 16 THX Ultra
- Chase Home Theater SS18.1 vs Danley Sound Labs DTS10
- Chase Home Theater SS18.1 vs HSU Research VTF-15H MK2
- Chase Home Theater SS18.1 vs HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP
- Chase Home Theater SS18.1 vs JTR Speakers Captivator S2
- Chase Home Theater SS18.1 vs Pro Audio Technology LFC-24sm
- See all 9 comparisons
JTR Speakers Growler (2015): $2995 Passive eBay
Pros: 12-inch ported driver reaches 130.2dB CEA-2010-A average, nearly matching the class leader for about $1,000 less.
Cons: Ported design room interaction, 45 kg size, and $2995 cost.
Notes: Looks like “PA sub”
Full JTR Speakers Growler (2015) review and specifications →
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 130.2 dB |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Dimensions | 22.5"H x 30"W x 20"D (571.5 x 762.0 x 508.0 mm) |
| Drivers | 12" (305mm) driver |
| Enclosure | ported, front |
| Measurement Source | Data-bass |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 92.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 97.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 106.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 122.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 130.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 133.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 134.4 dB |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | 135.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | 136.0 dB |
| Passive | Yes |
| Warranty | 5 years |
| Weight | 100.1 lbs (45.4 kg) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Independently measured by Data-bass; the published figures above come from this ASR subwoofer measurement thread.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- JTR Speakers Growler (2015) vs Danley Sound Labs DTS10
- JTR Speakers Growler (2015) vs Harbinger V2218S
- JTR Speakers Growler (2015) vs Funk Audio Ultra 24.0
- JTR Speakers Growler (2015) vs Funk Audio Classic 18.0
- JTR Speakers Growler (2015) vs JTR Speakers Captivator S2
- JTR Speakers Growler (2015) vs Monoprice Monolith 16 THX Ultra
- JTR Speakers Growler (2015) vs Reaction Audio PV-15X
- JTR Speakers Growler (2015) vs Pro Audio Technology LFC-24sm
- See all 22 comparisons