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 #25 (rated 4.4/5) for the JBL 4645C. If you want one new, the JTR Speakers Orbit Shifter PRO ranks #1 at $4,499.

Why pick the JTR Speakers Captivator S2: A tall sealed subwoofer with two 18 inch drivers and serious deep bass output for demanding movies in a large room. The catch: 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.
The case for the JBL 4645C: A pro cinema 18 inch ported subwoofer with very strong upper bass punch, suited to adding impact in a modest room. Watch for: Deep-bass output is limited relative to its midbass result, so it is not the right choice for the lowest movie effects.
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, start with the JTR Speakers Orbit Shifter PRO instead.
Still deciding? The full Subwoofers rankings cover every ranked option.
A tall sealed subwoofer with two 18 inch drivers and serious deep bass output for demanding movies in a large room.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JTR Speakers Captivator S2 | JBL 4645C | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3,995 Discontinued | $4,999 Passive, Discontinued |
| Ranked | #9 of 143 in Large Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs) | #25 of 143 in Large Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs) |
| Enclosure | sealed | ported, front |
| 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 | 98.9 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 119.7 dB | 114.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 124.8 dB | 118.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 129.3 dB | 122.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 130.3 dB | 123.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 129.4 dB | 129.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 128.5 dB | 133.9 dB |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | 128.1 dB | 135.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | 128.0 dB | 135.8 dB |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 129.4 dB | 127.3 dB |
| Dimensions | 40”H x 21”W x 18”D (1016.0 x 533.4 x 457.2 mm) | 39.7”H x 26.5”W x 17.7”D (1009.6 x 673.1 x 450.8 mm) |
| Weight | 220 lbs (99.8 kg) | 138 lbs (62.6 kg) |
| Warranty | 5/3 | 5/3/2 |
| Country | United States | United States |
| Measurement Source | Data-bass | Data-bass |
| Drivers | 2x 18” (457mm) drivers | 18” (457mm) 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 | - |
| Passive | - | Yes |
| Cabinet Color | - | black |
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