NOVA 8

Compact, agile and highly versatile, the Wharfedale NOVA 8 is an 8-inch active subwoofer designed for smaller listening spaces, compact stereo systems and discreet home cinema installations.

Combining a 200mm long-throw active driver with a 250mm down-firing Auxiliary Bass Radiator (ABR), powerful Class-D amplification and advanced DSP management, NOVA 8 delivers controlled bass extension down to 33Hz (-6dB) from a remarkably compact enclosure. Adjustable crossover, phase and level controls make it easy to integrate with a wide range of stereo and AV systems.

Deeper Bass Without a Port | ABR-Assisted Low-Frequency Loading
All NOVA models benefit from a down-firing mass-loaded ABR (Auxiliary Bass Radiator) system featuring a sophisticated dual-suspension design.

An ABR works with the active driver to extend low-frequency output without using a conventional reflex port. This allows NOVA to deliver deeper bass from a more compact enclosure, while avoiding common port-related problems such as turbulence, chuffing, port compression and unwanted resonance.

Advanced DSP Management | Balanced Bass at All Volumes
NOVA subwoofers use advanced DSP to automatically optimise bass output in real time, delivering full, natural low-frequency performance across a wide range of listening levels.

From late-night listening to full-scale impact, the DSP-controlled Dynamic EQ manages the subwoofer’s dynamic response in relation to the input level, maintaining balanced low-frequency extension across a wide range of listening levels and source material.

From Music to Cinema
Each NOVA subwoofer has two built-in DSP-controlled operating modes. Music mode prioritises speed, definition and controlled integration with the main loudspeakers, while Movie mode is tuned to deliver greater low-frequency impact and scale for film soundtracks.

By tailoring the DSP behaviour to different types of content, Music mode keeps bass tight, articulate and naturally integrated for two-channel listening, while Movie mode increases the sense of weight, scale and dynamic impact required for more immersive cinematic playback.

Lower Distortion, Faster Bass | Aluminium Shorting Rings
Wharfedale engineers have incorporated aluminium shorting rings within the NOVA motor system to enhance transient response and reduce distortion.

As the voice coil moves through the magnetic gap, changes in inductance can introduce distortion and soften transient behaviour. Shorting rings help reduce inductance modulation, allowing the motor system to behave more consistently as the driver moves. Linearity is improved while unwanted distortion artefacts are minimised.

Power with Precision | High-Current Class-D
A powerful Class-D amplifier gives NOVA 8 the speed and control required for accurate low-frequency reproduction, delivering 200W nominal power with up to 500W peak output for demanding musical transients and movie effects. With up to 80V of peak voltage, the amplifier stage provides substantial dynamic headroom and authoritative control, helping NOVA 8 reproduce demanding bass transients with speed, impact and precision.

Flexible Integration | Set-up and Connections
All NOVA subwoofers provide adjustable crossover, phase and output level controls, allowing their bass response to be matched to your main loudspeakers, listening position and room. Stereo line-level inputs, LFE compatibility and speaker-level connections provide flexible integration with both modern AV systems and traditional stereo amplifiers.