Short answer: the Reaction Audio PV-15X for output, the HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP for a self-powered, lighter cabinet. The PV-15X’s 15-inch ported driver delivers a 126.2dB CEA-2010-A average from a purpose-built cinema-style cabinet, but its passive design requires a separate external amplifier and it weighs 68 kg (149.9 lbs). The HSU reaches 121.4dB in a 39 kg (86 lbs) cabinet.
What the HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP gets right: Ported cabinet delivers 121.4dB CEA-2010-A average, one of the best price-to-output ratios in this weight class. The catch: Ported design requires careful room placement, mid-size 39 kg (86 lbs) cabinet, and mid-range output.
On the Reaction Audio PV-15X side: 15-inch ported driver delivers 126.2dB CEA-2010-A average from a purpose-built cinema-style cabinet. The tradeoff: Passive design requires a separate external amplifier and weighs 68 kg (149.9 lbs).
Buy the HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP new; the Reaction Audio PV-15X is no longer sold new, so it only makes sense as a used find.
Want more options? Browse the full Subwoofers rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP | Reaction Audio PV-15X | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,099 | $1999 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #52 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 | 100.8 dB | 105.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 108.2 dB | 111.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 113.4 dB | 116.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 118.2 dB | 119.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 121.9 dB | 125.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 122.3 dB | 126.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 121.1 dB | 126.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 120.4 dB | 126.5 dB |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 121.4 dB | 126.2 dB |
| Dimensions | 25"H x 17.2"W x 24"D (635.0 x 438.1 x 609.6 mm) | 18"H x 22"W x 29"D (457.2 x 558.8 x 736.6 mm) |
| Weight | 85.1 lbs (38.6 kg) | 149.9 lbs (68 kg) |
| Warranty | 7/2(+3) | - |
| Cabinet Color | black | - |
| 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-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 SVS PB-3000
- HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP vs HSU Research VTF-15H MK2
- HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP vs Harbottle Audio C24 L1
- HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP vs JTR Speakers Captivator RS1
- HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP vs Rythmik FV15HP
- HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP vs Monoprice Monolith 13 THX Ultra
- HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP vs Arendal 1723 Subwoofer 2V
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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
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