Short answer: the JTR Speakers Captivator 4000ULF for the higher ranking, the HSU Research VTF-15H MK2 for the lower price. The JTR Speakers Captivator 4000ULF ranks #4 of 97 subwoofers at $5000. The HSU Research VTF-15H MK2 ranks #41 at $1499, $3501 cheaper.
What the HSU Research VTF-15H MK2 gets right: 15-inch ported driver delivers 121.8dB CEA-2010-A average from HSU Research’s long-running VTF series. The tradeoff: Ported enclosure prone to room modes at certain frequencies, mid-large 50 kg size, and $1,500 price point.
Buy the HSU Research VTF-15H MK2 if the price matters more than the ranking. Buy the JTR Speakers Captivator 4000ULF if the ranking matters more than the price.
Specifications Side By Side
| HSU Research VTF-15H MK2 | JTR Speakers Captivator 4000ULF | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,499 | $5,000 |
| Ranked | #41 of 97 in Large Powered Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs) | #4 of 97 in Large Powered Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs) |
| Enclosure | ported, front | ported, front |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | 101.6 dB | 119.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 108.4 dB | 122.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 114.8 dB | 126.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 119.4 dB | 129.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 122.9 dB | 130.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 122.5 dB | 131.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 121.1 dB | 130.9 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 120.5 dB | 130.6 dB |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 121.8 dB | 130.8 dB |
| Dimensions | 24.0"H x 18.0"W x 26.0"D (609.6 x 457.2 x 660.4 mm) | 41.0"H x 20.5"W x 39.5"D (1041.4 x 520.7 x 1003.3 mm) |
| Weight | 110 lbs / 49.9 kg | 265 lbs / 120.2 kg |
| Warranty | 7/2(+3) | 5/3 |
| Cabinet Color | black, wood | black, custom |
| Country | United States | United States |
| Measurement Source | Manufacturer | Data-bass |
| Drivers | 15" (381mm) driver | 2x 18" (457mm) driver |
| Output SPL at 10 Hz | - | 111.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 12.5 Hz | - | 115.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | - | 130.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | - | 129.5 dB |
The Two Speakers In Full
HSU Research VTF-15H MK2: $1,499
Pros: 15-inch ported driver delivers 121.8dB CEA-2010-A average from HSU Research’s long-running VTF series.
Cons: Ported enclosure prone to room modes at certain frequencies, mid-large 50 kg size, and $1,500 price point.
Notes: Price includes shipping
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 121.8 dB |
|---|---|
| Cabinet Color | black, wood |
| Country | United States |
| Dimensions | 24.0"H x 18.0"W x 26.0"D (609.6 x 457.2 x 660.4 mm) |
| Drivers | 15" (381mm) driver |
| Enclosure | ported, front |
| Measurement Source | Manufacturer |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | 101.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 108.4 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 114.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 119.4 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 122.9 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 122.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 121.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 120.5 dB |
| Warranty | 7/2(+3) |
| Weight | 110 lbs / 49.9 kg |
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- HSU Research VTF-15H MK2 vs HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP
- HSU Research VTF-15H MK2 vs Rythmik FV15HP
- HSU Research VTF-15H MK2 vs SVS PB-4000
- HSU Research VTF-15H MK2 vs Monoprice Monolith M-15 V2
- HSU Research VTF-15H MK2 vs Rythmik F18
- HSU Research VTF-15H MK2 vs Monoprice Monolith M15-S
- HSU Research VTF-15H MK2 vs Monoprice Monolith M-215
- HSU Research VTF-15H MK2 vs Reaction Audio PV-15X
- See all 15 comparisons
- Links
JTR Speakers Captivator 4000ULF: $5,000
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 130.8 dB |
|---|---|
| Cabinet Color | black, custom |
| Country | United States |
| Dimensions | 41.0"H x 20.5"W x 39.5"D (1041.4 x 520.7 x 1003.3 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 18" (457mm) driver |
| Enclosure | ported, front |
| Measurement Source | Data-bass |
| Output SPL at 10 Hz | 111.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 12.5 Hz | 115.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | 119.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 122.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 126.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 129.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 130.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 131.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 130.9 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 130.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | 130.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | 129.5 dB |
| Warranty | 5/3 |
| Weight | 265 lbs / 120.2 kg |
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- JTR Speakers Captivator 4000ULF vs JTR Speakers Captivator 215PRO
- JTR Speakers Captivator 4000ULF vs Power Sound Audio (PSA) TRIAX
- JTR Speakers Captivator 4000ULF vs JTR Speakers Orbit Shifter LFU
- JTR Speakers Captivator 4000ULF vs Power Sound Audio (PSA) T18
- JTR Speakers Captivator 4000ULF vs JTR Speakers Orbit Shifter PRO
- JTR Speakers Captivator 4000ULF vs JTR Speakers Captivator S2
- JTR Speakers Captivator 4000ULF vs Monoprice Monolith 16 THX Ultra
- JTR Speakers Captivator 4000ULF vs Reaction Audio PV-15X
- See all 15 comparisons
- Links
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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.

