Nova 12 is a Passive Radiator type Powered Subwoofer by Wharfedale with a frequency range of 28 Hz (-6dB). It was released in September 2026. It features 1 x 12" Paper Woofer, and powered by a Class D 280 watts amplifier. Nova 12 also employs 1 x 12-inch passive radiators.
Front-firing long-throw coated paper cone driver with a down-firing mass-loaded passive radiator (Wharfedale calls it an ABR) in a sealed box, Class D amplifier with DSP and dynamic EQ. Wharfedale quotes bass extension at -6dB only, so it does not compare directly with the +/-3dB figures of the SW series. Sold alongside the SW subwoofers, not in place of them. Adds speaker-level inputs, stereo line outputs, a 12V trigger and USB firmware updates, none of which the SW series has.
Nova 12 is a member of Wharfedale's Nova series of Powered subwoofers. Below you can see the main specs of these subwoofers as well as review and comparison links.
See all 4 Wharfedale Nova models compared »
Wharfedale Nova Series Subwoofers
Frequency Response
Where should the crossover go? → · What will your room do to this bass? →
Wharfedale Nova 12 has a Frequency response range of 28 Hz (-6dB). With the help of its 1 x 12-inch driver and 280 watts RMS (770 watts MAX) amplifier, the Nova 12 can go as low as 28 Hz which doesn't quite offer full range sound (20Hz-2kHZ) but it gets really close.
Here we have a comparison of how Nova 12's Low and High frequency values compare with the average, max and min Low and High frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Powered Subwoofers
High Frequency
Subwoofer Speakers
Among all subwoofers in our database with a max MSRP price of 2000$, these are the 5 Powered Subwoofer models that can reach deeper bass levels than the Wharfedale Nova 12's 28Hz:
Low-Pass CrossoverWharfedale Nova 12 has a variable Low-pass filter (LFP) which lets you choose a frequency level between 40-160 Hz in order to block any frequencies above that point from reaching the amplifier.
Inputs and Outputs
- PreampLevel Inputs: Stereo RCA/LFE
- SpeakerLevel Inputs: Binding posts
- SpeakerLevel Outputs: No
- Wireless: No
Wharfedale Nova 12 External Dimensions and Weight
Wharfedale Nova 12 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 17.44inch x 17.13inch x 19.17inch (443.0 x 435.0 x 487.0mm ).
Base Surface Area
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base area of Wharfedale Nova 12 is approximately 2118.5cm2 / 328.4inch2.
Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove →
WeightThe Wharfedale Nova 12 weighs 29.30kg / 64.5lbs. Weight of a subwoofer is an important factor when you need to move and reposition the unit often to find the optimal positioning, also known as 'Subwoofer Crawling'. Here is a comparison of how Nova 12's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
Weight
Subwoofer Speakers under $2000
How does the Wharfedale Nova 12 compare to the Wharfedale Nova 15?
One of the natural alternative to the Wharfedale Nova 12 is the Nova 15 which is located one step higher in Wharfedale's Powered Subwoofer selection.
Check the Detailed Comparison of Wharfedale Nova 12 vs Nova 15 for more details.
Cabinet type and Materials
Wharfedale Nova 12 has a
Passive Radiator type cabinet and a Matte Black finish.
Available colors
Wharfedale Nova 12 is available in Black.
Does the Wharfedale Nova 12 come with a Grille?
Nova 12 comes with grilles. The purpose of the grille is to protect the delicate driver elements from external impacts while still allowing the sound to pass as clearly as possible.
What's in the Box of Wharfedale Nova 12?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Nova 12:
- Subwoofer
- Power cord
- Manual
- Rubber feet pads
Recommended Accessories
Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Wharfedale Nova 12.
Official Product Page
Official manufacturer's product page for the Wharfedale Nova 12 speaker can be found below:
Official Product Page for Wharfedale Nova 12
| General |
| Brand | Wharfedale |
| Full Model Name | Wharfedale Nova 12 |
| Type | Powered Subwoofer |
| Release Date | September 2026 |
| Frequency Response | 28 Hz (-6dB) |
| Enclosure Type | Passive Radiator |
| Enclosure | Passive Radiator |
| Firing Direction | Front |
Amplifier & Driver |
| Power (RMS) | 280 watts |
| Power (Peak) | 770 watts |
| Amplifier Type | Class D |
| Woofer | 12-inch Paper |
| Passive Radiator | 1 x 12-inch |
| Controls & Connections |
| Low-pass Crossover | 40-160 Hz |
| Phase Control | Yes |
| Built-in DSP | Yes |
| Wireless | No |
| Line-level Inputs | Stereo RCA/LFE |
| Speaker-level Inputs | Binding posts |
| Speaker-level Outputs | No |
Physical |
| Dimensions (HxWxD) | 17.44" x 17.13" x 19.17" (443.0 x 435.0 x 487.0mm) |
| Weight | 29.3 kg (64.6 lbs) |
| Finish | Matte Black |
| Available Colors | Black |
| Grille | Yes |