Wharfedale ELYSIAN R Series
A refined evolution of Wharfedale’s flagship loudspeaker range.
ELYSIAN R is the next chapter in Wharfedale’s flagship loudspeaker story. Building on the award-winning foundations of the original ELYSIAN series, ELYSIAN R advances the design with refined driver technology, improved crossover execution, further-optimised cabinet construction, and a new contemporary finish palette.
This is not reinvention for the sake of change. It is a measured, purposeful evolution of a loudspeaker platform already recognised for its scale, refinement and musical authority. Developed under the direction of Peter Comeau and the original ELYSIAN engineering team, every improvement has been made in pursuit of greater accuracy, transparency and emotional realism.
Available as compact and reference standmount speakers, floorstanding models and a dedicated centre channel, ELYSIAN R brings true high-end Wharfedale performance to both stereo music systems and premium home cinema installations.
Generation R: the refinement of a modern classic
The original ELYSIAN series established itself as a modern benchmark for high-end loudspeaker design, combining advanced acoustic engineering with exceptional material quality and an unmistakably expressive sound. ELYSIAN R retains that character — effortless, expansive and deeply musical — while introducing carefully judged refinements across the entire system.
The AMT high-frequency driver has been further developed for greater openness, speed and resolution. The proprietary coated glass fibre matrix bass and midrange drivers have been refined for improved control, clarity, and consistency. The crossover network has been reworked with high-grade components and newly designed direct-path PCBs, helping Wharfedale’s multi-layer PROS system control resonance so the music remains clear, stable and naturally presented.
The result is a loudspeaker range that feels immediately familiar as ELYSIAN, yet more resolved, more transparent and more technically complete.
Air Motion
At the heart of ELYSIAN R is Wharfedale’s further-developed Air Motion Transformer high-frequency unit. Unlike a conventional dome tweeter, the AMT uses a pleated diaphragm to move air with remarkable speed and efficiency, delivering fast transient response, wide bandwidth and a naturally open treble performance.
Across the range, coated glass fibre matrix cones provide the ideal balance of low mass, strength, and damping. In the midrange, a dedicated phase plug and advanced motor system help project vocals and instruments with natural scale, tonal accuracy and wide dispersion. In the bass, improved motor systems, robust die-cast chassis construction and low-distortion design deliver depth, control and articulation.
Wharfedale’s Slot-Loaded Profiled Port system further enhances low-frequency performance. By equalising internal and external air pressure, SLPP improves bass extension and control while reducing placement sensitivity — helping ELYSIAN R perform with authority in real listening rooms, not only idealised test conditions.
Precision Crossover, Now More Precise
The ELYSIAN R crossover has been engineered for transparency and phase accuracy. High-silicon-iron-cored coils are used in the bass network for low DCR and excellent amplifier control, while air-core coils serve the midrange and treble sections. Super Audiophile polypropylene capacitors and low-inductance resistors are selected for their neutral influence on the musical signal.
All components are mounted on newly designed direct-path PCBs, reducing signal length and improving internal layout efficiency. Combined with LC-OFC high-purity copper cabling with PET insulation, this results in superior full-range integration and a more transparent connection between the amplifier, crossover, and drive units.
A New Look for the New Soul
ELYSIAN R preserves the sculptural cabinet form and luxurious presence of the original series, while introducing a cleaner and more architectural visual identity. The black and white piano lacquer finishes are replaced by refined Matte Black and Lunar Grey options, complemented by contemporary new matte-black trims, driver detailing and metalwork. The ever-popular Walnut High Gloss finish remains, preserving the warmth and depth that helped define the original ELYSIAN aesthetic.
The result is modern, understated and timeless — a flagship loudspeaker range designed to complement contemporary interiors while retaining the craftsmanship, solidity and luxury expected from Wharfedale’s highest-performance loudspeakers.
The ELYSIAN R options
From compact standmount to flagship floorstander, each ELYSIAN R model is engineered around the same core values: low distortion, natural tonal balance, wide bandwidth, controlled bass and a deeply involving musical presentation.
ELYSIAN 1R
A compact two-way standmount loudspeaker for listeners who want ELYSIAN clarity, imaging and refinement in a more room-friendly format.
ELYSIAN 2R
A reference three-way standmount loudspeaker with dedicated bass, midrange and AMT treble drivers for exceptional scale, precision and natural expression.
ELYSIAN 3R
A compact three-way floorstanding loudspeaker, combining slim proportions with dual bass drivers, dedicated midrange and expansive ELYSIAN performance.
ELYSIAN 4R
The flagship floorstanding model, designed for the greatest scale, authority and low-frequency extension in the ELYSIAN R range.
ELYSIAN CR
A dedicated three-way centre channel loudspeaker, timbre-matched for premium ELYSIAN R home cinema and multichannel systems.
Explore the ELYSIAN R range and experience the refinement of a modern Wharfedale classic.
Categories
