Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the JTR Speakers Captivator S2 is the better pick: it ranks #9 of 143 subwoofers by sound quality (rated 4.5/5), against #133 (rated 3.7/5) for the HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 with Turbocharger. If you want one new, the HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP replaces the HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 with Turbocharger and is rated 4.2/5 at $1,049.
The JTR Speakers Captivator S2 is the better-sounding choice. A tall sealed subwoofer with two 18 inch drivers and serious deep bass output for demanding movies in a large room. Watch for: The 1016.0H x 533.4W x 457.2D mm cabinet and 220 lbs (99.8 kg) mass make this a serious placement and moving commitment.
Why pick the HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 with Turbocharger: A rear ported 12 inch subwoofer with the Turbocharger upgrade for extra upper bass punch, now discontinued. The catch: 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.
Buy the JTR Speakers Captivator S2 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 with Turbocharger.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Subwoofers rankings.
A tall sealed subwoofer with two 18 inch drivers and serious deep bass output for demanding movies in a large room.
A rear ported 12 inch subwoofer with the Turbocharger upgrade for extra upper bass punch, now discontinued.
Prices on this page were last checked October 31, 2026 at 7:11 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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Specifications Side By Side
| JTR Speakers Captivator S2 | HSU Research VTF-3 MK3 with Turbocharger | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3,995 Discontinued | $1,599 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #9 of 143 in Large Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs) | #133 of 143 in Large Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs) |
| Enclosure | sealed | ported, rear |
| 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 | 100.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 115.1 dB | 101.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 119.7 dB | 102.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 124.8 dB | 106.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 129.3 dB | 110.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 130.3 dB | 112.9 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 129.4 dB | 113.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 128.5 dB | 113.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | 128.1 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | 128.0 dB | - |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 129.4 dB | 112.8 dB |
| Dimensions | 40”H x 21”W x 18”D (1016.0 x 533.4 x 457.2 mm) | 21.5”H x 17”W x 25”D (546.1 x 431.8 x 635.0 mm) |
| Weight | 220 lbs (99.8 kg) | 89.9 lbs (40.8 kg) |
| Warranty | 5/3 | 7/2 |
| Country | United States | United States |
| Measurement Source | Data-bass | Ilkka Rissanen |
| Drivers | 2x 18” (457mm) drivers | 12” (305mm) driver |
| Inputs | XLR (balanced), RCA | - |
| XLR Input | Yes | - |
| RCA Input | Yes | - |
| TRS Input | No | - |
| Optical Input | No | - |
| Coaxial Input | No | - |
| USB Input | No | - |
| HDMI Input | No | - |
| AES Input | No | - |
| Aux Input | No | - |
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