Wharfedale NOVA 8

Overview

The Wharfedale NOVA 8 is engineered to disappear into your system. Rather than announce itself, it fills in the foundation your main speakers cannot reach, delivering controlled, natural bass that starts and stops exactly with the music. A 200mm (8 inch) long-throw driver works with a down-firing Auxiliary Bass Radiator so the cabinet loads cleanly and quietly, with none of the chuffing or port noise associated with vented designs.

Reaching down to 33Hz (-6dB) and up to 105dB at 40Hz from a compact matte black enclosure, the NOVA 8 is equally at home reinforcing a two-channel setup and anchoring a home cinema. A high-current Class-D amplifier rated at 200W nominal and 500W peak provides the headroom to hit dynamic peaks without strain, while multi-stage DSP keeps the driver safe and composed at every level.

With flexible integration controls, both low-level and high-level inputs, and dedicated Music and Movie voicings, the NOVA 8 slots into almost any room and blends seamlessly with your existing loudspeakers. Its discreet cabinet, measuring 348 x 320 x 361mm, tucks away easily while doing serious work.

Key Features

• Long-throw 8 inch driver. A 200mm long-throw cone moves the air needed for deep, articulate bass down to 33Hz (-6dB) while staying tight and controlled.
• Aluminium demodulation ring. Positioned in the motor system to stabilise the magnetic field, it reduces distortion and sharpens timing so the bass stops when the note stops.
• Down-firing Auxiliary Bass Radiator. The passive ABR extends low frequency output without a port, eliminating port noise and allowing flexible, quiet cabinet loading.
• High-current Class-D amplifier. Rated at 200W nominal and 500W peak, it delivers efficient power with the headroom for dynamic peaks, reaching 105dB at 40Hz.
• 3-stage DSP limiting. Thermal, excursion, and peak limiters work together to protect the driver and amplifier, keeping output clean and composed even when pushed hard.
• Dynamic EQ. Following the Fletcher-Munson equal-loudness principle, it boosts low bass at lower volumes so the balance stays full and satisfying during quiet listening.
• Music and Movie EQ presets. Two voicings let you choose tight, tuneful bass for music or a fuller, more impactful low end for cinema.
• Comprehensive integration controls. An adjustable crossover from 40Hz to 160Hz, phase control, plus both high-level (4mm binding posts) and low-level RCA inputs (with LFE on the R channel) make blending with any speakers straightforward.

How It Compares

Wharfedale NOVA 8 vs Wharfedale NOVA 10

The NOVA 8 and NOVA 10 share the same ABR philosophy, DSP protection, and integration flexibility, but the NOVA 10 uses a larger driver for greater output and deeper extension suited to bigger rooms. The NOVA 8, with its 200mm long-throw driver reaching 33Hz (-6dB), is the more compact and discreet choice for small to medium rooms where a tight, fast, room-friendly presentation matters most.

Wharfedale NOVA 8 vs REL T/5x

Both are compact subwoofers built around an 8 inch driver. The REL T/5x is well known for its high-level connection and quick musical bass, while the Wharfedale NOVA 8 pairs its long-throw driver with a down-firing Auxiliary Bass Radiator for port-free loading, and adds selectable Music and Movie EQ presets plus Dynamic EQ. The NOVA 8 also offers both high-level binding posts and low-level RCA with LFE support for flexible integration.

Wharfedale NOVA 8 vs REL HT/1205 MKII

The REL HT/1205 MKII is a dedicated home theatre subwoofer with a larger driver and a high-output, LFE-focused design. The Wharfedale NOVA 8 is a more compact, dual-purpose unit that balances tuneful music performance with cinema impact through its Movie EQ preset. Its ABR loading avoids port noise, and it reaches 33Hz (-6dB) from a smaller matte black cabinet that is easier to place discreetly.

Recommended Speakers

The NOVA 8 is designed to complement your main speakers, high-passing them so they focus on the midrange while it handles the lowest octaves. These pairings match well in tonal character and room scale.

• Wharfedale Aura 3 A natural tonal match from the same brand, this slim floorstander benefits from the NOVA 8 filling in the deepest bass while keeping its midrange clean and open.
• Wharfedale Elysian 3R A refined floorstander for medium rooms; the NOVA 8 extends its low end and adds cinema weight without disturbing the Elysian's smooth balance.
• Wharfedale Dovedale A large standmount that pairs beautifully with the NOVA 8, which supplies the sub-bass foundation these speakers cannot reach on their own.
• Wharfedale Aston A compact bookshelf that gains full-range scale when high-passed to the NOVA 8, ideal for smaller rooms and desktop or shelf placement.
• Klipsch Heresy IV Heritage These sealed, roll-off-early Heritage speakers love a subwoofer; the NOVA 8's tight, controlled bass complements their dynamic, lively character.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I set up the NOVA 8 for the first time?

Place the subwoofer near your main speakers, connect either the low-level RCA or high-level binding posts, set the crossover, level, and phase, then fine-tune by ear or with a measurement app. Starting with the crossover around 80Hz and adjusting from there works well in most rooms.

Where is the best place to position the subwoofer?

Corners and near walls increase output but can add boom, while placement away from walls tightens the bass. A common technique is to temporarily set the sub in your listening seat, play bass-heavy material, then move around the room to find where it sounds smoothest, and place the sub there.

What crossover frequency should I use?

The NOVA 8 offers an adjustable crossover from 40Hz to 160Hz. With floorstanders, try 60 to 80Hz; with bookshelf or standmount speakers, 80 to 100Hz usually blends best. Set it so the transition between the sub and mains is seamless.

How do I set the phase control?

Phase aligns the subwoofer's output with your main speakers so bass reinforces rather than cancels. Play continuous bass and adjust the phase control to the setting that produces the loudest, fullest bass at your listening position.

What is the difference between the Music and Movie EQ presets?

The Music preset favours tight, tuneful, controlled bass that integrates cleanly with your speakers. The Movie preset gives a fuller, more impactful low end for effects and cinema dynamics. Choose whichever suits the content and your taste.

What is an Auxiliary Bass Radiator and why does it matter?

An Auxiliary Bass Radiator (ABR) is a passive radiator that extends low frequency output without a port. Because there is no port, the NOVA 8 avoids chuffing and port noise, allowing quiet, clean, flexible cabinet loading.

Is an ABR better than a ported subwoofer?

Each approach has merits. A well-designed ABR like the one in the NOVA 8 extends bass while eliminating port turbulence and noise, often giving tighter, more controlled low end. Ported designs can be efficient but may add audible port noise at high output.

Can I use two NOVA 8 subwoofers together?

Yes. Dual subwoofers help smooth out room modes, reducing peaks and dips and delivering more even bass across multiple seats. Place them symmetrically or use asymmetric placement to counter room boom, and match their level and crossover settings.

How do I reduce bass boom in my room?

Boom is usually caused by room modes and placement rather than the subwoofer itself. Move the sub away from corners, experiment with position, lower the level slightly, and use the phase control to integrate cleanly. Careful placement is the most powerful tool.

Should I use the high-level or low-level RCA inputs?

The low-level RCA inputs connect to a subwoofer output or preamp output, with LFE supported on the R channel. The high-level binding posts connect to your amplifier's speaker terminals, which can preserve the tonal character of your amplifier. Both work well; use whichever suits your system.

Does the NOVA 8 support an LFE connection for home theatre?

Yes. The R channel of the stereo RCA line input supports LFE, so you can connect the subwoofer output of an AV receiver or processor for movie soundtracks.

Does it have a trigger for automatic switching?

Yes. The NOVA 8 has a 12V trigger input so it can power on and off automatically with a connected amplifier or processor. It also draws under 0.5W in standby.

How much power does the NOVA 8 have?

It uses a high-current Class-D amplifier rated at 200W nominal and 500W peak, providing efficient power with headroom for dynamic peaks up to 105dB at 40Hz.

How low does the NOVA 8 go?

It reaches down to 33Hz at the -6dB point, providing genuinely deep bass extension from a compact cabinet.

What does the 3-stage DSP limiting do?

Thermal, excursion, and peak limiters work together to protect the driver and amplifier. This keeps the output clean and controlled even at high volume, preventing damage while preserving sound quality.

Which NOVA model is right for my room size?

The NOVA 8, with its 8 inch driver and 33Hz extension, suits small to medium rooms and situations where a discreet cabinet matters. For larger rooms or more output, the NOVA 10 with its bigger driver may be the better choice. We are happy to advise based on your space.

What finish is the NOVA 8 available in?

It comes in a discreet Matte Black finish designed to blend into the room and sit unobtrusively alongside your main speakers.

Can I update the subwoofer's firmware?

Yes. The NOVA 8 includes a USB connection for firmware updates, so it can be kept current over its lifetime.

What warranty does the NOVA 8 come with?

The NOVA 8 is covered by a 5 years parts and labor warranty through Wharfedale USA when purchased from an authorized dealer such as All Elite Audio.

Why buy from All Elite Audio?

All Elite Audio is an authorized Wharfedale dealer in Maryland, so your NOVA 8 arrives with full manufacturer warranty support. We offer honest advice, help matching the subwoofer to your speakers and room, and hands-on guidance with setup, placement, and integration so you get the best possible bass in your system.