JTR Speakers Captivator S2 vs JTR Speakers Growler (2015)

Short answer: the JTR Speakers Captivator S2 for better sound quality, the JTR Speakers Growler (2015) for the lower price. The JTR Speakers Captivator S2 ranks #9 of 110 subwoofers at $3995. The JTR Speakers Growler (2015) ranks #13 at $2995, $1000 cheaper.

What the JTR Speakers Captivator S2 offers: Independent CEA-2010 testing records 115.1 dB at 20 Hz and 129.4 dB through 40-80 Hz. The sealed enclosure with 2x 18” (457mm) drivers has the headroom for demanding film bass in a large room. Watch for: The 1016.0H x 533.4W x 457.2D mm cabinet and 99.8 kg mass make this a serious placement and moving commitment. A sealed cabinet still needs careful placement and calibration to avoid room-mode peaks.

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 JTR Speakers Captivator S2 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the JTR Speakers Growler (2015) if the price matters more than sound quality.

Still deciding? The full Subwoofers rankings cover every ranked option.

Specifications Side By Side

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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

JTR Speakers Captivator S2: $3995 eBay

Pros: Independent CEA-2010 testing records 115.1 dB at 20 Hz and 129.4 dB through 40-80 Hz. The sealed enclosure with 2x 18” (457mm) drivers has the headroom for demanding film bass in a large room.

Cons: The 1016.0H x 533.4W x 457.2D mm cabinet and 99.8 kg mass make this a serious placement and moving commitment. A sealed cabinet still needs careful placement and calibration to avoid room-mode peaks.

Notes: Replaced by “RS2”

Full JTR Speakers Captivator S2 review and specifications →

CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz)	129.4 dB
Country	United States
Dimensions	40"H x 21"W x 18"D (1016.0 x 533.4 x 457.2 mm)
Drivers	2x 18" (457mm) drivers
Enclosure	sealed
Measurement Source	Data-bass
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
Output SPL at 25 Hz	119.7 dB
Output SPL at 31.5 Hz	124.8 dB
Output SPL at 40 Hz	129.3 dB
Output SPL at 50 Hz	130.3 dB
Output SPL at 63 Hz	129.4 dB
Output SPL at 80 Hz	128.5 dB
Output SPL at 100 Hz	128.1 dB
Output SPL at 125 Hz	128.0 dB
Warranty	5/3
Weight	220 lbs (99.8 kg)

• Links
  • JTR Speakers Captivator S2 Website
• 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
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  • JTR Speakers Captivator S2 vs Power Sound Audio (PSA) V3600I
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  • JTR Speakers Captivator S2 vs JTR Speakers Captivator 215PRO
  • JTR Speakers Captivator S2 vs JTR Speakers Captivator 4000ULF
  • JTR Speakers Captivator S2 vs Power Sound Audio (PSA) TRIAX
  • JTR Speakers Captivator S2 vs Pro Audio Technology LFC-24sm
  • JTR Speakers Captivator S2 vs Danley Sound Labs DTS10
  • 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 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
  • JTR Speakers Growler (2015) vs HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP