Short answer: the JTR Speakers Growler (2015) for better sound quality, the HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP for the lower price. The JTR Speakers Growler (2015) ranks #13 of 110 subwoofers at $2995. The HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP ranks #52 at $1049, $1946 cheaper.
What the HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP offers: Ported cabinet delivers 121.4dB CEA-2010-A average, one of the best price-to-output ratios in this weight class. Watch for: Ported design requires careful room placement, mid-size 39 kg cabinet, and mid-range output.
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 MK5 HP if the price is the priority over sound quality, or the JTR Speakers Growler (2015) if sound quality is the priority over the price.
Still deciding? The full Subwoofers rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP | JTR Speakers Growler (2015) | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,099 | $2995 Passive |
| Ranked | #52 of 110 in Large Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs) | #13 of 110 in Large Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs) |
| Enclosure | ported, front | ported, front |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | 100.8 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 108.2 dB | 92.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 113.4 dB | 97.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 118.2 dB | 106.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 121.9 dB | 122.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 122.3 dB | 130.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 121.1 dB | 133.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 120.4 dB | 134.4 dB |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 121.4 dB | 130.2 dB |
| Dimensions | 25"H x 17.2"W x 24"D (635.0 x 438.1 x 609.6 mm) | 22.5"H x 30"W x 20"D (571.5 x 762.0 x 508.0 mm) |
| Weight | 85.1 lbs (38.6 kg) | 100.1 lbs (45.4 kg) |
| Warranty | 7/2(+3) | - |
| Cabinet Color | black | - |
| 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 |
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)
- Danley Sound Labs DTS10 vs JTR Speakers Growler (2015)
- Monoprice Monolith 16 THX Ultra vs JTR Speakers Growler (2015)
Prices on this page were last checked September 14, 2026 at 1:47 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 MK5 HP: $1,099 HSU Research eBay
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
Full HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP review and specifications →
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 121.4 dB |
|---|---|
| Cabinet Color | black |
| Country | United States |
| Dimensions | 25"H x 17.2"W x 24"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) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- These figures are manufacturer-specified rather than independently measured.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP vs Rythmik FV18
- HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP vs HSU Research VTF-15H MK2
- HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP vs Rythmik FV15HP
- HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP vs SVS PB-4000
- HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP vs Monoprice Monolith M-15 V2
- HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP vs Rythmik F18
- HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP vs Monoprice Monolith M15-S
- HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP vs Chase Home Theater SS18.1
- See all 23 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 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
- JTR Speakers Growler (2015) vs WW Speaker Cabinets X21 - B&C 21DS115-4
- JTR Speakers Growler (2015) vs JBL 4645C
- JTR Speakers Growler (2015) vs Chase Home Theater SS18.1