Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the JTR Speakers Growler (2015) is the better pick: it ranks #13 of 143 subwoofers by sound quality (rated 4.5/5), against #57 (rated 4.2/5) for the HSU Research VTF-15H MK2. If you want one new, the HSU Research VTF-TN1 replaces the HSU Research VTF-15H MK2 and is rated 3.9/5 at $1,249.

The case for the HSU Research VTF-15H MK2: A 15 inch ported subwoofer from a long running series, with strong output for movies at a reasonable price. The tradeoff: Ported enclosure prone to room modes at certain frequencies, mid-large 110.2 lbs (50 kg) size, and $1499 price point.
Why pick the JTR Speakers Growler (2015): A 12 inch ported subwoofer with output close to far bigger flagships, a strong used pick now that it is discontinued. The catch: Ported design room interaction, 99.2 lbs (45 kg) size, and $2995 cost.
Buy the JTR Speakers Growler (2015) only if you find one used in good condition; both are discontinued, and it is the better rated of the two. For a new speaker, buy the HSU Research VTF-TN1, which replaces the HSU Research VTF-15H MK2.
Want more options? Browse the full Subwoofers rankings.
A 15 inch ported subwoofer from a long running series, with strong output for movies at a reasonable price.
A 12 inch ported subwoofer with output close to far bigger flagships, a strong used pick now that it is discontinued.
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Specifications Side By Side
| HSU Research VTF-15H MK2 | JTR Speakers Growler (2015) | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,499 Discontinued | $2,995 Passive, Discontinued |
| Ranked | #57 of 143 in Large Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs) | #13 of 143 in Large Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs) |
| Enclosure | ported, front | ported, front |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | 101.6 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 108.4 dB | 92.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 114.8 dB | 97.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 119.4 dB | 106.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 122.9 dB | 122.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 122.5 dB | 130.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 121.1 dB | 133.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 120.5 dB | 134.4 dB |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 121.8 dB | 130.2 dB |
| Dimensions | 24”H x 18”W x 26”D (609.6 x 457.2 x 660.4 mm) | 22.5”H x 30”W x 20”D (571.5 x 762.0 x 508.0 mm) |
| Weight | 110 lbs (49.9 kg) | 100.1 lbs (45.4 kg) |
| Warranty | 7/2(+3) | 5 years |
| Cabinet Color | black, wood | - |
| Country | United States | United States |
| Measurement Source | Manufacturer | Data-bass |
| Drivers | 15” (381mm) driver | 12” (305mm) driver |
| Passive | - | Yes |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | - | 135.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | - | 136.0 dB |
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