Short answer: the JTR Speakers Growler (2015) if sound quality matters most, the HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 if price matters most. The JTR Speakers Growler (2015) ranks #13 of 110 subwoofers at $2995. The HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 ranks #97 at $1499, $1496 cheaper.
What the HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 offers: Independent CEA-2010 testing records 104.3 dB at 20 Hz and 113.5 dB through 40-80 Hz. The ported, rear enclosure with 12” (305mm) driver delivers substantial upper-bass output for movie effects and music. Watch for: Deep-bass output is more limited than the strong 40-80 Hz result suggests, so it is not the right choice when the lowest movie effects are the priority. The 546.1H x 431.8W x 635.0D mm cabinet and 40.8 kg mass still require deliberate placement and calibration.
What the JTR Speakers Growler (2015) offers: 12-inch ported driver reaches 130.2dB CEA-2010-A average, nearly matching the class leader for about $1,000 less. Watch for: Ported design room interaction, 45 kg size, and $2,995 cost.
Buy the HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 if the price is the priority over sound quality, or the JTR Speakers Growler (2015) if sound quality is the priority over the price.
The HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 is not a sound-quality pick. It sits near the bottom of the 110 subwoofers; there are better options higher up.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Subwoofers rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 | JTR Speakers Growler (2015) | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1499 | $2995 Passive |
| Ranked | #97 of 110 in Large Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs) | #13 of 110 in Large Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs) |
| Enclosure | ported, rear | ported, front |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | 88.5 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 104.3 dB | 92.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 108.7 dB | 97.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 109.7 dB | 106.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 112.1 dB | 122.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 113.7 dB | 130.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 114.0 dB | 133.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 114.0 dB | 134.4 dB |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 113.5 dB | 130.2 dB |
| Dimensions | 21.5"H x 17"W x 25"D (546.1 x 431.8 x 635.0 mm) | 22.5"H x 30"W x 20"D (571.5 x 762.0 x 508.0 mm) |
| Weight | 89.9 lbs (40.8 kg) | 100.1 lbs (45.4 kg) |
| Country | United States | United States |
| Measurement Source | Ilkka Rissanen | Data-bass |
| Drivers | 12" (305mm) driver | 12" (305mm) driver |
| Passive | - | Yes |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | - | 135.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | - | 136.0 dB |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How JTR Speakers Growler (2015) compares with other leading options:
- JTR Speakers Growler (2015) vs WW Speaker Cabinets X21 - B&C 21DS115-4
- 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 16, 2026 at 12:41 AM 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-3 MK3: $1499 eBay
Pros: Independent CEA-2010 testing records 104.3 dB at 20 Hz and 113.5 dB through 40-80 Hz. The ported, rear enclosure with 12” (305mm) driver delivers substantial upper-bass output for movie effects and music.
Cons: Deep-bass output is more limited than the strong 40-80 Hz result suggests, so it is not the right choice when the lowest movie effects are the priority. The 546.1H x 431.8W x 635.0D mm cabinet and 40.8 kg mass still require deliberate placement and calibration.
Full HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 review and specifications →
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 113.5 dB |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Dimensions | 21.5"H x 17"W x 25"D (546.1 x 431.8 x 635.0 mm) |
| Drivers | 12" (305mm) driver |
| Enclosure | ported, rear |
| Measurement Source | Ilkka Rissanen |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | 88.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 104.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 108.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 109.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 112.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 113.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 114.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 114.0 dB |
| Weight | 89.9 lbs (40.8 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Independently measured by Ilkka Rissanen; the published figures above come from this ASR subwoofer measurement thread.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 vs RSL (Rogersound Labs) Speedwoofer 12S
- HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 vs Monoprice Monolith 12 THX Ultra
- HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 vs HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 with Turbocharger
- HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 vs BK Electronics Monolith-DF
- HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 vs SVS SB13-Plus
- HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 vs Rythmik F18
- HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 vs SVS PB-4000
- HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 vs HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP
- See all 17 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 $2,995 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 |
| 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