Short answer: the JTR Speakers Captivator S2 for the higher ranking, the HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP for the lower price. The JTR Speakers Captivator S2 ranks #7 of 97 subwoofers at $3995. The HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP ranks #43 at $1099, $2896 cheaper.
The case for the HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP: Ported cabinet delivers 121.4dB CEA-2010-A average, one of the best price-to-output ratios in this weight class. Set against that: Ported design requires careful room placement, mid-size 39 kg cabinet, and mid-range output.
Buy the HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP if the price matters more than the ranking. Buy the JTR Speakers Captivator S2 if the ranking matters more than the price.
Specifications Side By Side
| HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP | JTR Speakers Captivator S2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,099 | $3995 |
| Ranked | #43 of 97 in Large Powered Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs) | #7 of 97 in Large Powered Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs) |
| Enclosure | ported, front | sealed |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | 100.8 dB | 108.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 108.2 dB | 115.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 113.4 dB | 119.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 118.2 dB | 124.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 121.9 dB | 129.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 122.3 dB | 130.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 121.1 dB | 129.4 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 120.4 dB | 128.5 dB |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 121.4 dB | 129.4 dB |
| Dimensions | 25.0"H x 17.25"W x 24.0"D (635.0 x 438.1 x 609.6 mm) | 40.0"H x 21.0"W x 18.0"D (1016.0 x 533.4 x 457.2 mm) |
| Weight | 85.1 lbs / 38.6 kg | 220 lbs / 99.8 kg |
| Warranty | 7/2(+3) | 5/3 |
| Cabinet Color | black | - |
| Country | United States | United States |
| Measurement Source | Manufacturer | Data-bass |
| Drivers | 15" (381mm) driver | 2x 18" (457mm) drivers |
| Output SPL at 10 Hz | - | 100.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 12.5 Hz | - | 103.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | - | 128.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | - | 128.0 dB |
The Two Speakers In Full
HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP: $1,099
Pros: Ported cabinet delivers 121.4dB CEA-2010-A average, one of the best price-to-output ratios in this weight class.
Cons: Ported design requires careful room placement, mid-size 39 kg cabinet, and mid-range output.
Notes: Price includes shipping
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 121.4 dB |
|---|---|
| Cabinet Color | black |
| Country | United States |
| Dimensions | 25.0"H x 17.25"W x 24.0"D (635.0 x 438.1 x 609.6 mm) |
| Drivers | 15" (381mm) driver |
| Enclosure | ported, front |
| Measurement Source | Manufacturer |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | 100.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 108.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 113.4 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 118.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 121.9 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 122.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 121.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 120.4 dB |
| Warranty | 7/2(+3) |
| Weight | 85.1 lbs / 38.6 kg |
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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JTR Speakers Captivator S2: $3995
Notes: Replaced by “RS2”
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 129.4 dB |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Dimensions | 40.0"H x 21.0"W x 18.0"D (1016.0 x 533.4 x 457.2 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 18" (457mm) drivers |
| Enclosure | sealed |
| Measurement Source | Data-bass |
| Output SPL at 10 Hz | 100.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 12.5 Hz | 103.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | 108.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 115.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 119.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 124.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 129.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 130.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 129.4 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 128.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | 128.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | 128.0 dB |
| Warranty | 5/3 |
| Weight | 220 lbs / 99.8 kg |
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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- 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.