The NOVA 15 is the flagship of Wharfedale's NOVA subwoofer series, sitting above the NOVA 8, NOVA 10 and NOVA 12 as the largest and most powerful expression of the range. Built around a 380mm (15in) long-throw active driver paired with a matching downward-firing auxiliary bass radiator, it is intended for large rooms and high-performance stereo or home cinema systems where scale, depth and authority are the priority.
Low frequency output extends to 28Hz (-6dB). Wharfedale is explicit that this is not simply about playing lower; the NOVA 15 is designed to reproduce demanding low-frequency content with the weight, headroom and physical presence that larger listening environments require.
Driver and Chassis
The newly engineered long-throw active driver uses a rigid, lightweight paper cone with a proprietary coating chosen for stiffness and self-damping. It is carried on a heavy-duty die-cast chassis with an oversized high-roll surround, giving the excursion needed for high output at low frequencies. A large-diameter voice coil improves thermal efficiency and power handling, while an aluminium shorting ring within the motor system reduces inductance modulation as the coil travels through the magnetic gap, improving linearity and lowering distortion artefacts.
ABR-Assisted Loading
In place of a conventional reflex port, the NOVA 15 uses a downward-firing, mass-loaded auxiliary bass radiator (ABR) with a dual-suspension design. The ABR works alongside the active driver to extend low-frequency output from a more compact enclosure, while avoiding the problems associated with ports: turbulence, chuffing, port compression and unwanted resonance. Acoustic loading is optimised individually for each model in the series.
Amplification and DSP
A high-current Class D platform delivers 360W nominal and up to 770W peak, providing the control and dynamic headroom required to drive the 380mm active driver with confidence. DSP-controlled Dynamic EQ manages the subwoofer's dynamic response in relation to input level, maintaining balanced low-frequency extension from late-night listening up to full-scale impact, and protecting the driver against overdrive.
Two DSP-controlled operating modes are built in. Music mode prioritises speed, definition and controlled integration with the main loudspeakers, keeping bass tight and articulate for two-channel listening. Movie mode is tuned for greater low-frequency impact and scale, adding weight and dynamic authority to film soundtracks.
Connection and Setup
Stereo line-level input is provided on RCA, with the right channel able to accept an LFE feed from an AV receiver or processor. Speaker-level connection is available on four 4mm binding posts for use with traditional stereo amplifiers, and a stereo line output on RCA allows onward connection. A 12V trigger input handles automatic switching and a USB port is provided for firmware updates. Crossover frequency (40Hz to 160Hz), output level and phase are all adjustable, phase switching between 0 and 180 degrees, so the subwoofer can be matched to the main loudspeakers, the listening position and the room. An auto-sense circuit drops the NOVA 15 into standby after 20 minutes without a signal and wakes it automatically when playback resumes, or it can be left permanently active.