Short answer: the Reaction Audio PV-15X for output, the HSU Research VTF-15H MK2 for a self-contained amplifier. The PV-15X’s 15-inch ported driver delivers a 126.2dB CEA-2010-A average from a purpose-built cinema-style cabinet, but it is passive and requires a separate external amplifier, and it weighs 68 kg (149.9 lbs). The HSU reaches 121.8dB, is prone to room modes, and costs $1499.
The case for the HSU Research VTF-15H MK2: 15-inch ported driver delivers 121.8dB CEA-2010-A average from HSU Research’s long-running VTF series. Set against that: Ported enclosure prone to room modes at certain frequencies, mid-large 50 kg (110.2 lbs) size, and $1,500 price point.
What the Reaction Audio PV-15X gets right: 15-inch ported driver delivers 126.2dB CEA-2010-A average from a purpose-built cinema-style cabinet. Set against that: Passive design requires a separate external amplifier and weighs 68 kg (149.9 lbs).
Buy the HSU Research VTF-15H MK2 new; the Reaction Audio PV-15X is no longer sold new, so it only makes sense as a used find.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Subwoofers rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| HSU Research VTF-15H MK2 | Reaction Audio PV-15X | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,499 | $1999 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #50 of 110 in Large Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs) | #21 of 110 in Large Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs) |
| Enclosure | ported, front | ported, rear |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | 101.6 dB | 105.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 108.4 dB | 111.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 114.8 dB | 116.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 119.4 dB | 119.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 122.9 dB | 125.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 122.5 dB | 126.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 121.1 dB | 126.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 120.5 dB | 126.5 dB |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 121.8 dB | 126.2 dB |
| Dimensions | 24"H x 18"W x 26"D (609.6 x 457.2 x 660.4 mm) | 18"H x 22"W x 29"D (457.2 x 558.8 x 736.6 mm) |
| Weight | 110 lbs (49.9 kg) | 149.9 lbs (68 kg) |
| Warranty | 7/2(+3) | - |
| Cabinet Color | black, wood | - |
| Country | United States | - |
| Measurement Source | Manufacturer | Data-bass |
| Drivers | 15" (381mm) driver | 15" (381mm) driver |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | - | 126.4 dB |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | - | 126.1 dB |
| Discontinued | - | Yes |
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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
HSU Research VTF-15H MK2: $1,499 eBay
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 $1499 price point.
Notes: Price includes shipping
Full HSU Research VTF-15H MK2 review and specifications →
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 121.8 dB |
|---|---|
| Cabinet Color | black, wood |
| Country | United States |
| Dimensions | 24"H x 18"W x 26"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) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- These figures are manufacturer-specified rather than independently measured.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- HSU Research VTF-15H MK2 vs SVS PB-3000
- 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 Chase Home Theater SS18.1
- HSU Research VTF-15H MK2 vs Rythmik F18
- HSU Research VTF-15H MK2 vs Monoprice Monolith M15-S
- See all 22 comparisons
Reaction Audio PV-15X: $1999 Discontinued eBay
Pros: 15-inch ported driver delivers 126.2dB CEA-2010-A average from a purpose-built cinema-style cabinet.
Cons: Passive design requires a separate external amplifier and weighs 68 kg. Discontinued.
Full Reaction Audio PV-15X review and specifications →
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 126.2 dB |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 18"H x 22"W x 29"D (457.2 x 558.8 x 736.6 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 15" (381mm) driver |
| Enclosure | ported, rear |
| Measurement Source | Data-bass |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | 105.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 111.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 116.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 119.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 125.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 126.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 126.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 126.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | 126.4 dB |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | 126.1 dB |
| Weight | 149.9 lbs (68 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
- Reaction Audio PV-15X vs JTR Speakers Captivator 2400
- Reaction Audio PV-15X vs Funk Audio Ultra 21.0LX
- Reaction Audio PV-15X vs Monoprice Monolith M-215
- Reaction Audio PV-15X vs Monoprice Monolith 16 THX Ultra
- Reaction Audio PV-15X vs JBL 4645C
- Reaction Audio PV-15X vs Danley Sound Labs DTS10
- Reaction Audio PV-15X vs JTR Speakers Growler (2015)
- Reaction Audio PV-15X vs Chase Home Theater SS18.1
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