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.

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.
A tall sealed subwoofer with two 18 inch drivers and serious deep bass output for demanding movies in a large room.
A 15 inch ported subwoofer with strong, deep bass for movies in a large room, a solid value pick used.
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) |
| Enclosure | sealed | ported, bottom |
| 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 | 102.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 115.1 dB | 109.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 119.7 dB | 112.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 124.8 dB | 116.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 129.3 dB | 121.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 130.3 dB | 123.4 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 129.4 dB | 123.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 128.5 dB | 123.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | 128.1 dB | 121.9 dB |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | 128.0 dB | 121.2 dB |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 129.4 dB | 122.9 dB |
| Dimensions | 40”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) |
| Weight | 220 lbs (99.8 kg) | 91.9 lbs (41.7 kg) |
| Warranty | 5/3 | 3 |
| Country | United States | Canada |
| Measurement Source | Data-bass | Audioholics |
| Drivers | 2x 18” (457mm) drivers | 15” (381mm) 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 | - |
| Cabinet Color | - | black |
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