Wharfedale NOVA 15

Overview

The Wharfedale NOVA 15 is a powered subwoofer engineered to disappear into your system, adding weight and scale without ever calling attention to itself. Built around a 380mm (15 inch) long-throw cone paired with a down-firing 380mm Auxiliary Bass Radiator, it delivers controlled, natural bass that starts and stops with the music. The note arrives, fills the room, and then it is gone, leaving no overhang or bloat behind.

ABR loading replaces a conventional port, which means the deep reach (28Hz at -6dB) comes without the chuffing and port noise that can muddy the lowest octaves. A high-current Class-D amplifier delivers 360W nominal and 770W peak, so the NOVA 15 can hit 110dB at 40Hz while staying composed. Whether you are following a string bass line or riding the pressure wave of a film score, the presentation stays tight and articulate.

Housed in a discreet Matte Black cabinet, the NOVA 15 is refined enough for two-channel listening and dynamic enough for cinema. Comprehensive integration controls and dedicated Music and Movie EQ presets let it settle into almost any room and pair cleanly with a wide range of main speakers.

Key Features

• 380mm long-throw driver. A 15 inch long-throw cone moves serious air with control, giving the NOVA 15 the excursion needed for deep, effortless output.
• Aluminium demodulation ring. Placed in the motor system to reduce distortion and stabilise the magnetic field, it tightens timing so bass notes stay crisp and defined.
• Down-firing Auxiliary Bass Radiator. A 380mm SPL paper-cone ABR loads the cabinet in place of a port, extending low reach to 28Hz (-6dB) without port noise or chuffing.
• High-current Class-D amplifier. Rated 360W nominal and 770W peak, it provides the headroom for dynamic transients and sustained peaks up to 110dB at 40Hz.
• 3-stage DSP limiting. Independent thermal, excursion, and peak protection keeps the driver and amplifier safe while preserving clean output at high levels.
• Dynamic EQ. Compensates for the Fletcher-Munson curve by boosting low frequencies at lower volumes, so bass stays full and balanced even during quiet listening.
• Music and Movie EQ presets. Two voicings let you switch between the taut articulation suited to music and the room-filling impact suited to film.
• Flexible integration controls. An adjustable crossover (40Hz to 160Hz), phase control, plus high-level (4mm binding posts) and low-level (RCA with LFE support) inputs make setup with almost any system straightforward.

How It Compares

Wharfedale NOVA 15 vs Wharfedale NOVA 12

Both subwoofers share the NOVA design language, ABR loading, and DSP feature set, but the NOVA 15 steps up to a 380mm (15 inch) driver and passive radiator versus the smaller driver in the NOVA 12. That translates to greater displacement, deeper reach, and higher maximum output, making the NOVA 15 the better fit for larger rooms or those wanting more effortless headroom. The NOVA 12 remains an excellent choice for medium rooms where a slightly more compact cabinet is preferred.

Wharfedale NOVA 15 vs REL T/9x SE

The REL T/9x SE is a sealed design known for its high-level connection and fast, musical character, while the NOVA 15 uses a larger 380mm driver with a down-firing ABR for deeper extension (28Hz at -6dB) and higher output (110dB at 40Hz). Both offer high-level inputs for seamless integration. The NOVA 15 leans toward more raw scale and cinema capability, while the REL emphasises a compact footprint and its signature tuning. Both are strong, just voiced with different priorities.

Wharfedale NOVA 15 vs REL Classic 99

The REL Classic 99 combines a vintage-styled cabinet with a forward-firing driver and down-firing passive radiator, aimed squarely at music-first systems. The NOVA 15 offers a larger 380mm active driver, a 380mm down-firing ABR, dedicated Music and Movie EQ presets, and 770W peak power, giving it broader flexibility across two-channel and home theatre use. The Classic 99 appeals to those wanting classic looks and a musical voice, while the NOVA 15 targets deeper reach and greater dynamic range.

Recommended Speakers

The NOVA 15 blends best when high-passing capable main speakers and matching their tonal character. These Wharfedale mains are natural partners, with a few excellent alternatives from other brands we carry.

• Wharfedale Elysian 4R A flagship floorstander that shares Wharfedale voicing, so the NOVA 15 extends the low end seamlessly in larger rooms.
• Wharfedale Aura 4 A full-range tower that pairs cleanly with the NOVA 15 for scale and impact while keeping a consistent house sound.
• Wharfedale Dovedale A substantial standmount that benefits from the NOVA 15 taking over the deepest octaves, freeing the mains to play cleaner.
• Klipsch Heresy IV Heritage A rolled-off-low sealed design that gains real foundation when paired with the NOVA 15, ideal for lively, dynamic listening.
• Spendor Classic 200 A refined loudspeaker that integrates well with the NOVA 15 for music-focused systems needing controlled, natural bass.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I set the crossover on the NOVA 15?

Set the crossover so the subwoofer picks up just below where your main speakers roll off. The NOVA 15 offers an adjustable range of 40Hz to 160Hz. Start near the lower rated frequency of your mains and adjust by ear until bass blends smoothly.

What does the phase control do?

Phase aligns the subwoofer's output timing with your main speakers so the bass reinforces rather than cancels. If bass sounds thin at your listening seat, try adjusting phase until the low end is fullest.

Should I use the Music or Movie EQ preset?

Use the Music preset for tight, articulate bass with two-channel listening, and the Movie preset for greater room-filling impact during films. You can switch between them to suit the content.

What is an ABR and how is it different from a port?

An Auxiliary Bass Radiator is a passive driver that loads the cabinet like a port but without an opening. This gives the NOVA 15 deep extension to 28Hz (-6dB) while avoiding the chuffing and port noise a conventional vent can produce.

Can I run two NOVA 15 subwoofers?

Yes. Using two subwoofers can smooth out room modes and deliver more even bass across multiple seats. Each can be set individually to match your room and placement.

Should I connect via high-level or RCA?

Both work well. The high-level speaker connection (4mm binding posts) draws signal from your amplifier outputs for tonal continuity, while the RCA low-level input is simple and includes LFE support on the right channel for home theatre.

What is the LFE input used for?

The right RCA channel supports LFE, so you can connect it directly to the subwoofer output of an AV receiver or processor for the dedicated low-frequency effects channel in movies.

How do I avoid boomy bass in my room?

Boom is usually caused by room modes and placement rather than the subwoofer itself. Try moving the NOVA 15 away from corners, adjust phase and crossover, and use the controls to dial in a balanced response. Dual subs can also help.

How big a room can the NOVA 15 handle?

With its 380mm driver, 770W peak amplifier, and 110dB output at 40Hz, the NOVA 15 suits medium to large rooms. For medium rooms or a slightly more compact cabinet, the NOVA 12 is worth considering.

Which NOVA model should I choose for my room?

Choose the NOVA 15 for larger rooms or when you want maximum output and the deepest reach. The NOVA 12 covers medium rooms well with a smaller footprint. Room size and how loud you listen are the main deciding factors.

What is the Dynamic EQ feature?

Dynamic EQ compensates for the way our ears perceive less bass at lower volumes (the Fletcher-Munson curve) by boosting low frequencies during quiet listening, keeping bass full and balanced at any level.

What does the 3-stage DSP limiting protect against?

It provides independent thermal, excursion, and peak protection, guarding the driver and amplifier from overload while preserving clean output even when you push the subwoofer hard.

Does the NOVA 15 have a trigger input?

Yes. It includes a 12V trigger so it can power on and off with the rest of your system, plus a USB port for firmware updates.

What is the standby power consumption?

The NOVA 15 draws under 0.5W in standby and accepts AC input from 100 to 240V, so it is efficient when not in use.

What finish is available?

The NOVA 15 comes in a discreet Matte Black finish designed to blend quietly into your room rather than draw attention.

How heavy is the NOVA 15?

It has a net weight of 47.8kg (55kg gross) and measures 549 x 540 x 607mm (H x W x D), so plan placement carefully and consider help when positioning it.

Can I use the NOVA 15 with bookshelf speakers?

Yes. It pairs very well with standmount and bookshelf speakers by handling the deep bass they cannot, letting the mains play cleaner. Set the crossover to match your speakers' low-frequency limit.

Does the NOVA 15 have outputs to daisy chain?

It provides stereo line out via two RCA jacks, which can be used to pass signal along or connect additional equipment in your setup.

What warranty does the NOVA 15 come with?

The NOVA 15 is covered by a 5 year parts and labor warranty through Wharfedale USA when purchased from an authorized dealer like All Elite Audio.

Why buy from All Elite Audio?

As an authorized Wharfedale dealer in Maryland, All Elite Audio offers genuine expertise, honest advice, and hands-on setup help to get your NOVA 15 integrated and dialed in correctly. You get full manufacturer warranty support and a team that stands behind every system we sell.