Too often, companies pursue low-end depth at the expense of all else. Call it the passing-car-on-the-high-road approach. Or Beats before Apple. But Wharfedale’s new subwoofers don’t fall into that trap; instead, the Nova Series is focused on “balance, texture and precision”, says the manufacturer, from the smallest 8-inch model right up to the 15-incher.
The aim is for bass that is deep and authoritative, but that complements rather than overwhelms the movies and music it’s conveying.
There are four models in the range: the Nova 8, Nova 10, Nova 12 and Nova 15. The numbers indicate the respective main driver’s diameter in inches. So whatever your system – whether it’s a home cinema behemoth, hi-fi leviathan, or diddy micro system – there should be one to fit the bill.
Bass depth and output levels vary according to the sub’s size, of course, but they all share the same approach thanks to the inclusion of new long-throw drivers, passive Auxiliary Bass Radiators (ABRs) and Wharfedale’s tried and tested cabinet architecture.
Let’s start with those drivers.
These feature rigid, lightweight paper cones with a proprietary coating to increase stiffness and self-damping without increasing mass. Thanks to the other components inside the Nova subwoofers, they should maintain stability at high output while allowing substantial linear movements, which should mean “exceptional extension” without sacrificing transient accuracy and composure, says Wharfedale.
Thermal efficiency and power handling are enhanced by a large-diameter voice coil, while the aluminium shorting ring in the motor structure improves linearity and transient response and lowers distortion.
The result? Bass with “greater definition and natural rhythmic timing”, according to Wharfedale.
Each sub in the range has a downward-firing, mass-loaded ABR with a dual-suspension design to extend low-frequency output without a conventional reflex port. Wharfedale claims this avoids issues such as chuffing, compression and unwanted resonance.
Wharfedale also claims a balance of depth and control thanks to each model’s optimised acoustic loading.
The Class D amplifier platform delivers nominal power ratings between 200W and 360W (depending on the model of subwoofer), up to 80V peak output and “substantial” dynamic headroom. The platform is optimised for efficiency, speed and sustained low-frequency control.
Wharfedale also stresses that the amplifier, driver, cabinet loading and Digital Signal Processing (DSP) have all been developed as an integrated system for a controlled, responsive performance free of strain and compression.
Some subs struggle with convincing bass at lower volumes; Wharfedale claims this won’t be a problem thanks to its DSP-controlled dynamic EQ. At lower levels, this should preserve weight and extension – crank the volume up, and it manages driver excursion to maintain clean output. Which should result in a larger, more authoritative performance than the unit’s physical size might suggest.
Wharfedale has tuned the woofers to integrate the bass seamlessly with a range of system configurations and environments. And if you want to fine-tune it yourself, you can, with adjustable crossover, phase alignment and level calibration tools.
The Nova 8 costs £799 / $999 / AU$1299, which is the same as the B&W ASW610, our pick as best overall in our list of best subwoofers. Pricing goes up to £899 / $1199 / AU$1699 for the Nova 10, £1099 / $1499 / AU$2199 for the Nova 12 and £1299 / $1999 / AU$2899 for the Nova 15.
All models launch in late September, and come in any colour as long as it’s black.
MORE:
The best subwoofers you can buy
How to set up your subwoofer: our expert guide to room placement and controls
