Wharfedale launches four Nova subwoofers, from 8 inches to 15 inches

The range consists of the Nova 8, Nova 10, Nova 12 and Nova 15. Wharfedale positions the Nova 8 for smaller setups and stereo installations, the Nova 10 for medium-sized rooms, the Nova 12 for more immersive home theater systems, and the Nova 15 for larger spaces and demanding installations. TechRadar describes the line as not being 'thuggish bass monsters' but as designed for the more discerning listener who wants to hear as well as feel the low end. The article quotes Wharfedale as saying the Nova Series is built around 'balance, texture and precision' rather than 'chest-thumping, window-rattling exaggeration.'

All four subwoofers use a newly engineered long-throw driver. Wharfedale says the cones are rigid but lightweight, treated with a proprietary coating that makes them stiffer and better at self-damping without increasing mass. The driver is paired with a heavy-duty die-cast chassis, an oversized high-roll surround and a high-excursion motor system. A large-diameter voice coil and an aluminum shorting ring are said to minimize distortion and improve transient response.

The second main feature is an Auxiliary Bass Radiator, downward firing and with a dual suspension design. It is intended to extend low-frequency output without a conventional reflex port. Wharfedale says this avoids unwanted resonance, turbulence, chuffing and compression, and each Nova model is optimized for its cabinet volume, driver size, amplifier configuration and intended operating range. The company says the goal is to combine the speed of a sealed enclosure with the scale of a larger reflex design.

Depending on the model, the Nova subwoofers have between 200W and 360W of built-in Class D amplification, with up to 80V peak output and what Wharfedale describes as substantial dynamic headroom. The amplifier, driver, cabinet loading and DSP were designed as an integrated system rather than separately, the company says, to maximize power and precision. Adjustable crossover, phase alignment and level calibration allow users to tune the sound for their room.

The DSP also adjusts dynamic EQ. At lower listening volumes, it focuses on perceived weight and range; at higher levels, it manages driver excursion to keep audio clean without overdriving. Wharfedale says this helps the Nova punch above its size.

Pricing is £799 for the Nova 8, about $1,068 or AU$1,499; £899 for the Nova 10, about $1,202 or AU$1,686; £1,099 for the Nova 12, about $1,469 or AU$2,061; and £1,299 for the Nova 15, about $1,737 or AU$2,437. All four models will be available in late September 2026, according to TechRadar.