Wharfedale NOVA 10

Overview

The Wharfedale NOVA 10 is a powered subwoofer engineered to disappear into your system. Rather than announcing itself, it fills in the lowest octaves with controlled, natural bass that starts and stops exactly with the note, so your main speakers sound bigger without ever sounding boomy. A 250mm (10 inch) long-throw cone paired with a 250mm down-firing Auxiliary Bass Radiator (ABR) reaches down to 29Hz (-6dB) with authority.

The ABR loading is the key to that clean, timing-accurate delivery. There is no reflex port, so there is no port turbulence or chuffing at high output, just tight, well-damped low frequencies. A high-current Class-D amplifier rated at 230W nominal and 500W peak drives the system to a maximum SPL of 107dB at 40Hz, giving it the headroom for both the quiet detail of acoustic music and the impact of a movie soundtrack.

Housed in a discreet matte black cabinet measuring 391 x 363 x 408mm, the NOVA 10 is refined enough for two-channel listening and capable enough for cinema. Comprehensive integration controls let it blend seamlessly with almost any pair of speakers, and it is backed by a 5 year parts and labor warranty through Wharfedale USA.

Key Features

• Long-throw 250mm driver. A new 250mm (10 inch) long-throw cone moves large volumes of air cleanly, delivering deep extension to 29Hz (-6dB) without strain.
• Aluminium demodulation ring. Fitted in the motor system to stabilize the magnetic field, it tightens timing and lowers distortion so bass notes stay defined and articulate.
• Down-firing Auxiliary Bass Radiator. A 250mm SPL paper cone ABR replaces a conventional port, extending low-frequency output with no port noise or chuffing.
• High-current Class-D amplifier. Rated at 230W nominal and 500W peak, it provides the current and headroom for a maximum SPL of 107dB at 40Hz.
• 3-stage DSP limiting. Thermal, excursion, and peak protection work together to keep the driver and amplifier safe while preserving dynamics at high output.
• Dynamic EQ. Tuned to the Fletcher-Munson curves, it boosts perceived low-end at lower listening levels so the bass stays satisfying even during quiet late-night sessions.
• Music and Movie EQ presets. Two voicings let you switch between the tight, tuneful balance ideal for music and the deeper, more impactful profile suited to cinema.
• Full integration controls. An adjustable crossover from 40Hz to 160Hz, phase control, plus high-level (4x 4mm binding posts) and low-level (2x RCA) inputs make blending with any main speaker straightforward.

How It Compares

Wharfedale NOVA 10 vs NOVA 8

Both share the same NOVA design philosophy, ABR loading, and DSP feature set, but the NOVA 10 steps up to a 250mm (10 inch) long-throw driver where the NOVA 8 uses a smaller cone. The result is greater displacement, deeper extension, and more headroom in medium to large rooms, while the NOVA 8 remains an excellent choice for smaller spaces or nearfield setups.

Wharfedale NOVA 10 vs NOVA 12

The NOVA 12 uses a larger 12 inch driver for even greater output and extension, making it the pick for very large rooms or those who want maximum cinema impact. The NOVA 10 offers a slightly more compact cabinet and is easier to place, striking a strong balance of extension, speed, and room integration for the majority of listening spaces.

Wharfedale NOVA 10 vs REL T/7x

The REL T/7x is a sealed 8 inch design that RELs many listeners favor for its speed and high-level connection philosophy. The NOVA 10 uses a larger 250mm driver with ABR loading for greater displacement and deeper extension to 29Hz, and it likewise offers high-level speaker input alongside RCA, plus onboard DSP presets and Dynamic EQ for flexible tuning.

Recommended Speakers

The NOVA 10 is designed to high-pass and reinforce a wide range of main speakers. These pairings are natural matches for its speed and tonal character.

• Wharfedale Aura 3 shares the brand voicing and benefits from the NOVA 10 filling in the deepest octaves, ideal for medium rooms.
• Wharfedale Aura 4 is a larger floorstander that scales beautifully with the NOVA 10 for full-range music and cinema in bigger spaces.
• Wharfedale Dovedale is a substantial standmount whose warm, refined balance is completed by the NOVA 10 adding controlled low-end weight.
• Wharfedale Aston is a compact bookshelf that gains true full-range presence when high-passed and paired with the NOVA 10.
• Klipsch Heresy IV Heritage rolls off in the low bass by design, so the NOVA 10 is a perfect partner to extend it down with matching speed and dynamics.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I set the crossover on the NOVA 10?

Set the crossover just above your main speakers' lower limit, typically between 60Hz and 100Hz for standmounts and 40Hz to 60Hz for larger floorstanders. The adjustable range spans 40Hz to 160Hz, so start high and lower it until the transition sounds seamless.

What does the phase control do and how should I set it?

Phase aligns the subwoofer's output in time with your main speakers at the listening position. After placement, play bass-heavy material and switch phase to whichever setting gives the fullest, most even bass. It corrects for the distance between the sub and the mains.

Should I use the Music or Movie EQ preset?

Use the Music preset for tight, tuneful bass that prioritizes accuracy, and the Movie preset for deeper, more impactful low-end during films. Both are onboard, so you can switch depending on what you are listening to.

What is an ABR and how is it different from a ported subwoofer?

An Auxiliary Bass Radiator is a passive cone that extends low-frequency output like a port, but without an open tube. This means the NOVA 10 gains deep extension with no port noise or chuffing, even at high output. The 250mm down-firing ABR is tuned to work with the active driver.

Can I use two NOVA 10 subwoofers together?

Yes. Running dual subs smooths room modes and delivers more even bass across multiple seats. Place them asymmetrically or at opposite ends of the room, then dial in level, crossover, and phase for each to match your main speakers.

My room has a boomy spot. How do I fix it?

Boom usually comes from room modes and placement rather than the subwoofer itself. Try moving the NOVA 10 away from corners and walls, use the crawl method to find the smoothest spot, and adjust level and phase. Dynamic EQ and the presets can help fine-tune the balance.

Should I use the high-level or RCA connection?

Both work well. The high-level speaker input (4x 4mm binding posts) takes signal from your amplifier's speaker terminals and can preserve the sonic character of your amp. The low-level RCA input (2x RCA, with the R channel supporting LFE) is convenient for line-level and AV receiver connections.

Does the NOVA 10 have an LFE input for home theater?

Yes. The right RCA channel supports LFE, so you can connect the subwoofer output of an AV receiver or processor directly for home theater use.

What warranty comes with the NOVA 10?

The NOVA 10 is covered by a 5 year parts and labor warranty through Wharfedale USA when purchased from an authorized dealer like All Elite Audio.

Which NOVA model is right for my room size?

The NOVA 8 suits small rooms and nearfield setups, the NOVA 10 is ideal for medium to larger rooms with its 250mm driver and 29Hz extension, and the NOVA 12 is best for very large rooms or maximum cinema impact. We are happy to advise based on your space.

How deep does the NOVA 10 go?

It reaches down to 29Hz at the -6dB point, with a maximum SPL of 107dB at 40Hz, giving it both meaningful low-end extension and strong output for its size.

How much power does the NOVA 10 amplifier have?

The Class-D amplifier is rated at 230W nominal and 500W peak, providing ample current and headroom to drive the long-throw driver and ABR system cleanly.

What finish is available?

The NOVA 10 comes in a discreet matte black finish designed to blend quietly into any room.

How big is the NOVA 10 and how much does it weigh?

It measures 391 x 363 x 408mm (H x W x D) and has a net weight of 22.2kg, making it a compact yet substantial cabinet that is manageable to place.

Can I update the NOVA 10 firmware?

Yes. The NOVA 10 includes a USB port for firmware updates, so it can be kept current over its lifetime.

Does the NOVA 10 have a 12V trigger?

Yes. A 12V trigger input allows the subwoofer to power on and off automatically with a connected system component.

How much power does it draw in standby?

The NOVA 10 draws under 0.5W in standby and accepts an AC input of 100 to 240V, so it is efficient and ready for use in any region.

Can I pass my main speaker signal through the subwoofer?

Yes. The NOVA 10 provides a stereo line output (2x RCA) so you can loop the signal onward if your setup calls for it, alongside its stereo line and speaker-level inputs.

Will the NOVA 10 protect itself at high volume?

Yes. A 3-stage DSP limiting system monitors thermal load, driver excursion, and signal peaks to keep the driver and amplifier safe while preserving dynamics at high output.

Why buy from All Elite Audio?

As an authorized Wharfedale dealer in Maryland, All Elite Audio offers genuine products with the full 5 year parts and labor warranty, honest advice, and hands-on help with placement, crossover, and phase setup. We support you before and after the sale so your NOVA 10 integrates perfectly with your system.