JTR Speakers Captivator S2 vs Paradigm Defiance X15

Last updated: October 21, 2026

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 #45 (rated 4.2/5) for the Paradigm Defiance X15. If you want one new, the JTR Speakers Orbit Shifter PRO ranks #1 at $4,499.

JTR Speakers Captivator S2 vs Paradigm Defiance X15

The case for 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. 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 Paradigm Defiance X15: A 15 inch ported subwoofer with strong, deep bass for movies in a large room, a solid value pick used. The catch: The 625.3H x 588.8W x 625.3D mm cabinet and 91.9 lbs (41.7 kg) mass make this a serious placement and moving commitment.

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.

Looking for alternatives? See the complete Subwoofers rankings.

JTR Speakers Captivator S2 Discontinued

A tall sealed subwoofer with two 18 inch drivers and serious deep bass output for demanding movies in a large room.

Driver: 2x 18"Enclosure: SealedOutput 40-80 Hz: 129.4 dBWeight: 220 lbs
eBay
$3,995
Paradigm Defiance X15 Discontinued

A 15 inch ported subwoofer with strong, deep bass for movies in a large room, a solid value pick used.

Driver: 15"Enclosure: PortedOutput 40-80 Hz: 122.9 dBWeight: 91.9 lbs
eBay
$1,499

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 Paradigm Defiance X15
Price$3,995 Discontinued$1,499 Discontinued
Ranked#9 of 143 in Large Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs)#45 of 143 in Large Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs)
Enclosuresealedported, bottom
Output SPL at 10 Hz100.3 dB-
Output SPL at 12.5 Hz103.3 dB-
Output SPL at 15 Hz108.7 dB102.8 dB
Output SPL at 20 Hz115.1 dB109.2 dB
Output SPL at 25 Hz119.7 dB112.2 dB
Output SPL at 31.5 Hz124.8 dB116.2 dB
Output SPL at 40 Hz129.3 dB121.3 dB
Output SPL at 50 Hz130.3 dB123.4 dB
Output SPL at 63 Hz129.4 dB123.8 dB
Output SPL at 80 Hz128.5 dB123.1 dB
Output SPL at 100 Hz128.1 dB121.9 dB
Output SPL at 125 Hz128.0 dB121.2 dB
CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz)129.4 dB122.9 dB
Dimensions40”H x 21”W x 18”D (1016.0 x 533.4 x 457.2 mm)24.6”H x 23.2”W x 24.6”D (625.3 x 588.8 x 625.3 mm)
Weight220 lbs (99.8 kg)91.9 lbs (41.7 kg)
Warranty5/33
CountryUnited StatesCanada
Measurement SourceData-bassAudioholics
Drivers2x 18” (457mm) drivers15” (381mm) driver
InputsXLR (balanced), RCA-
XLR InputYes-
RCA InputYes-
TRS InputNo-
Optical InputNo-
Coaxial InputNo-
USB InputNo-
HDMI InputNo-
AES InputNo-
Aux InputNo-
Cabinet Color-black

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