Wharfedale has expanded its loudspeaker range with the NOVA Subwoofer Series, a new line of four active subwoofers built around long-throw drivers, DSP-controlled equalisation and Auxiliary Bass Radiator (ABR) loading. More details are at wharfedale.co.uk. The Wharfedale NOVA range covers the NOVA 8, NOVA 10, NOVA 12 and NOVA 15, scaling from compact stereo systems up to large home cinema rooms while sharing the same engineering approach throughout.
One engineering platform, four sizes
Rather than treating each model as a standalone design, Wharfedale developed the driver, motor system, cabinet loading, amplification and DSP for the NOVA series as a single integrated system. Every model uses a long-throw active driver with a rigid, lightweight paper cone, a down-firing mass-loaded ABR with dual-suspension design instead of a conventional reflex port, and an aluminium shorting ring in the motor structure to improve transient response and lower distortion.
DSP for music and movies
Each Wharfedale NOVA subwoofer includes two DSP-controlled operating modes: Music mode prioritises speed, definition and integration with the main loudspeakers, while Movie mode is tuned for greater low-frequency impact and scale on film soundtracks. A DSP-controlled dynamic EQ also adjusts bass output in real time, aiming to keep low-frequency performance balanced from late-night listening levels up to full-scale impact.
Four models, one design language
The Wharfedale NOVA 8 uses an 8-inch (200mm) driver for smaller rooms and compact systems, the NOVA 10 steps up to a 10-inch (250mm) driver for small-to-medium rooms, the NOVA 12 moves to a 300mm driver for medium-to-large spaces, and the NOVA 15 tops the range with a 380mm driver for large rooms and maximum output. All four share the same clean, understated cabinet design, with Class-D amplification, adjustable crossover, phase and level controls, stereo line-level inputs, LFE compatibility and speaker-level connections for flexible integration with existing systems, similar in spirit to Wharfedale’s recent Elysian Series loudspeakers.
Pricing and availability
The Wharfedale NOVA 8 is priced at £799 / $999, the NOVA 10 at £899 / $1,199, the NOVA 12 at £1,099 / $1,499 and the NOVA 15 at £1,299 / $1,999. All four models are finished in black and are set to launch in late September 2026.
Key specifications
- NOVA 8: 8in (200mm) driver, 33Hz (-6dB) extension, 200W/500W amplifier, £799/$999
- NOVA 10: 10in (250mm) driver, 29Hz (-6dB) extension, 230W/500W amplifier, £899/$1,199
- NOVA 12: 12in (300mm) driver, 28Hz (-6dB) extension, 280W/770W amplifier, £1,099/$1,499
- NOVA 15: 15in (380mm) driver, 28Hz (-6dB) extension, 360W/770W amplifier, £1,299/$1,999
- Shared features: down-firing ABR loading, DSP-controlled Dynamic EQ, Music/Movie DSP modes, aluminium shorting ring motor system, adjustable crossover/phase/level, LFE and speaker-level inputs
