Short answer: the JTR Speakers Growler (2015). It ranks #2 of 7 subwoofers at $2995; the JBL 4645C ranks #5 and costs $4999, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The case for the JTR Speakers Growler (2015): 12-inch ported driver reaches 130.2dB CEA-2010-A average, nearly matching the class leader for about $1,000 less. Set against that: Ported design room interaction, 45 kg size, and $2,995 cost.
Buy the JBL 4645C if the price matters more than the ranking. Buy the JTR Speakers Growler (2015) if the ranking matters more than the price.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL 4645C | JTR Speakers Growler (2015) | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4999 | $2995 |
| Ranked | #5 of 7 in Large Passive Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs) | #2 of 7 in Large Passive Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs) |
| Enclosure | ported, front | ported, front |
| Passive | Yes | Yes |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 98.9 dB | 92.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 114.0 dB | 97.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 118.7 dB | 106.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 122.0 dB | 122.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 123.7 dB | 130.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 129.7 dB | 133.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 133.9 dB | 134.4 dB |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | 135.1 dB | 135.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | 135.8 dB | 136.0 dB |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 127.3 dB | 130.2 dB |
| Dimensions | 39.75"H x 26.5"W x 17.75"D (1009.6 x 673.1 x 450.8 mm) | 22.5"H x 30.0"W x 20.0"D (571.5 x 762.0 x 508.0 mm) |
| Weight | 138 lbs / 62.6 kg | 100.1 lbs / 45.4 kg |
| Warranty | 5/3/2 | - |
| Cabinet Color | black | - |
| Country | United States | United States |
| Measurement Source | Data-bass | Data-bass |
| Drivers | 18" (457mm) driver | 12" (305mm) driver |
The Two Speakers In Full
JBL 4645C: $4999
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 127.3 dB |
|---|---|
| Cabinet Color | black |
| Country | United States |
| Dimensions | 39.75"H x 26.5"W x 17.75"D (1009.6 x 673.1 x 450.8 mm) |
| Drivers | 18" (457mm) driver |
| Enclosure | ported, front |
| Measurement Source | Data-bass |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 98.9 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 114.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 118.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 122.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 123.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 129.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 133.9 dB |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | 135.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | 135.8 dB |
| Passive | Yes |
| Warranty | 5/3/2 |
| Weight | 138 lbs / 62.6 kg |
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Links
JTR Speakers Growler (2015): $2995
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”
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 130.2 dB |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Dimensions | 22.5"H x 30.0"W x 20.0"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 |
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- 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.

