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 #130 (rated 3.7/5) for the HSU Research VTF-3 MK3. If you want one new, the HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP replaces the HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 and is rated 4.2/5 at $1,049.
The case for the HSU Research VTF-3 MK3: A rear ported 12 inch subwoofer with useful deep bass output for its size, now discontinued. 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 JTR Speakers Growler (2015) is the better-sounding choice. 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-3 MK5 HP, which replaces the HSU Research VTF-3 MK3.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Subwoofers rankings.
A rear ported 12 inch subwoofer with useful deep bass output for its size, now discontinued.
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-3 MK3 | JTR Speakers Growler (2015) | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,499 Discontinued | $2,995 Passive, Discontinued |
| Ranked | #130 of 143 in Large Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs) | #13 of 143 in Large Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs) |
| Warranty | 7/2 | 5 years |
| 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 |
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