Short answer: the JTR Speakers Growler (2015) for the higher ranking, the Chase Home Theater SS18.1 for the lower price. The JTR Speakers Growler (2015) ranks #2 of 7 subwoofers at $2995. The Chase Home Theater SS18.1 ranks #6 at $2499, $496 cheaper.
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 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 $1,000 less. The catch: Ported design room interaction, 45 kg size, and $2,995 cost.
One note: the Chase Home Theater SS18.1 is discontinued, but it still ranks #6 of 7 subwoofers, ahead of most of what is still sold new, so it is worth considering used.
Buy the Chase Home Theater SS18.1 if the price matters more than the ranking. Buy the JTR Speakers Growler (2015) if the ranking matters more than the price.
Specifications Side By Side
| Chase Home Theater SS18.1 | JTR Speakers Growler (2015) | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2499 Discontinued | $2995 |
| Ranked | #6 of 7 in Large Passive Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs) | #2 of 7 in Large Passive 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 | 22.0"H x 24.0"W x 22.0"D (558.8 x 609.6 x 558.8 mm) | 22.5"H x 30.0"W x 20.0"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 | - | United States |
The Two Speakers In Full
Chase Home Theater SS18.1: $2499 Discontinued
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.
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 125.2 dB |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 22.0"H x 24.0"W x 22.0"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 |
- Buy Used
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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JTR Speakers Growler (2015): $2995
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 $2,995 cost.
Notes: Looks like “PA sub”
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 130.2 dB |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Dimensions | 22.5"H x 30.0"W x 20.0"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 |
| Weight | 100.1 lbs / 45.4 kg |
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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Product prices and availability were last checked August 9, 2026 at 6:57 AM UTC 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.