Wharfedale NOVA 12 Active Subwoofer – Black
The Wharfedale NOVA 12 active subwoofer delivers deep, powerful bass for hi-fi systems and home cinema setups. Finished in black, it combines a 12-inch (300mm) active driver with Class-D amplification and advanced DSP control to add weight and depth to music, films and TV soundtracks. With bass extension down to 23Hz, the NOVA 12 brings greater scale to low-frequency effects while retaining the control needed for clear, well-defined sound.
Designed for larger listening rooms and systems that need more low-end impact, the Wharfedale NOVA 12 uses an Auxiliary Bass Radiator (ABR) system to improve bass output without relying on a conventional reflex port. Its adjustable settings also make it easier to match the subwoofer to your speakers and listening environment.
Deep Bass with ABR Technology
The NOVA 12 uses a down-firing, mass-loaded Auxiliary Bass Radiator (ABR) with a dual-suspension design. Working alongside the active driver, this system helps extend low-frequency performance while avoiding common port-related issues such as chuffing and unwanted resonance. The result is deep, impactful bass suited to music playback and cinematic sound effects.
Advanced DSP for Controlled Bass
Built-in digital signal processing (DSP) adjusts the subwoofer's response according to the input level, helping maintain a balanced bass performance at different listening volumes. Whether you're enjoying music at lower levels or turning up an action film, Dynamic EQ is designed to retain low-frequency depth without losing control.
Music and Movie Modes
Two DSP-controlled listening modes let you tailor the sound to your entertainment.
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Music Mode: Focuses on tight, articulate bass that blends naturally with your main speakers.
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Movie Mode: Delivers greater low-frequency weight and impact for film soundtracks, explosions and other cinematic effects.
Switching between the modes helps you get more from different types of content without constantly adjusting the subwoofer's settings.
High-Current Class-D Amplification
The Wharfedale NOVA 12 features a high-current Class-D amplifier rated at 280W nominal power, with peak output up to 770W. This provides the power and headroom needed to drive its 300mm bass driver, helping deliver dynamic low frequencies while maintaining definition during demanding passages.
Aluminium Shorting Rings for Reduced Distortion
Aluminium shorting rings within the motor system help reduce inductance changes as the voice coil moves. This improves driver linearity and helps minimise distortion, supporting cleaner bass transients and better control during both music and movie playback.
Flexible Connections and Setup
The NOVA 12 offers adjustable crossover, phase and output level controls, making it easier to integrate with your existing hi-fi or home cinema system. Stereo line-level inputs, LFE compatibility and speaker-level connections provide flexibility when connecting the subwoofer to compatible stereo amplifiers and AV receivers.
Key Features
- 12-inch (300mm) active subwoofer
- Elegant black finish
- Frequency extension down to 23Hz
- 280W nominal amplifier power
- Up to 770W peak output
- High-current Class-D amplification
- Down-firing Auxiliary Bass Radiator (ABR) system
- Advanced DSP with Dynamic EQ
- Dedicated Music and Movie listening modes
- Aluminium shorting rings to help reduce distortion
- Adjustable crossover, phase and output level
- Stereo line-level, LFE and speaker-level connections
- Designed for hi-fi music systems and home cinema setups
The Wharfedale NOVA 12 subwoofer in black is a strong choice for listeners looking to add deeper bass, greater impact and more scale to a stereo or home cinema system without compromising control and musical detail.
Technical Specifications
| Description |
Active ABR subwoofer system |
| Driver Unit |
(12") 300mm cone long-throw |
| Passive Radiator |
(12") 300mm SPL paper cone |
| LF extension (-6dB) |
28Hz |
| Amplifier Type |
Class-D |
| Amp Power |
280W Nominal / 770W Peak |
| Crossover Range |
40-160Hz |
| Low Level Input |
Stereo Line In (2 x RCA, R to support LFE) |
| High Level Input |
Speaker-level input: 4 x binding posts (4mm) |
| Low Level Output |
Stereo Line Output (2 x RCA) |
| Trigger |
12V |
| USB |
Update |
| AC Input |
AC 100-240V |
| Standby Consumption |
<0.5W |
| Dimensions (WxWxD) |
443mm x 435mm x 487mm |
| Weight |
29.3kg |
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