Wharfedale has officially unveiled the new Elysian R loudspeaker series, a comprehensive redesign of its flagship speaker range that first captured the attention of audiophiles when the original Elysian models launched in 2020. Developed under the leadership of renowned acoustic designer Peter Comeau, the new generation builds on three years of research behind the original series while introducing substantial improvements across every major component.

The Elysian R lineup represents far more than a simple refresh. Wharfedale has re-engineered the tweeters, midrange drivers, woofers, crossover networks, cabinet construction, and bass loading system with the goal of delivering greater transparency, improved dynamics, and an even more natural presentation.

Redesigned AMT Tweeter for Greater Detail

At the heart of the Elysian R series is a newly refined Air Motion Transformer (AMT) high-frequency driver. The latest design uses an ultra-light PET diaphragm housed within an enlarged structure featuring an acoustically damped rear chamber.

AMT technology has long been valued for its exceptional transient response and low distortion characteristics. By further reducing resonance and improving airflow, Wharfedale aims to deliver cleaner treble reproduction, increased detail retrieval, and a more open soundstage than the previous Elysian generation.

Led by Peter Comeau, the Wharfedale team has redesigned every critical element, from the AMT tweeters and midranges and carbon-fiber cone woofers to the crossovers and internal cabinet structure.

Improved Midrange Performance

All Elysian R models except the compact Elysian 1R feature a dedicated 150mm woven glass-fibre midrange driver. This driver has undergone extensive refinement compared to the unit used in the original Elysian series.

The lightweight yet rigid woven glass-fibre diaphragm is designed to maintain excellent pistonic behavior throughout its operating range, helping vocals and instruments emerge with greater clarity, tonal accuracy, and realism.

Powerful Carbon-Fibre Bass Drivers and Enhanced SLPP Technology

Low-frequency performance has also received significant attention. Larger Elysian R models are capable of extending bass below 30Hz, thanks in part to upgraded bass drivers and Wharfedale’s latest generation Slot-Loaded Profiled Port (SLPP) system.

Unlike conventional bass-reflex designs, SLPP channels airflow from the rear of the drivers into a specially shaped slot integrated into the base of the cabinet. This design equalizes pressure between the enclosure and the listening room, improving bass consistency while reducing sensitivity to speaker placement.

The result is deeper, tighter, and more controlled bass performance without the excessive boom often associated with rear-ported designs.

The crossover uses high-quality components such as silicon-iron core (low DCR) voice coils for the bass and air coils for the mid/high frequencies, as well as Super Audiophile polypropylene capacitors.

Premium Crossovers Built for Purity

Wharfedale has also redesigned the crossover networks using carefully selected audiophile-grade components.

The bass sections utilize low-DCR silicon-iron core inductors, while the midrange and treble sections employ air-core inductors for maximum signal purity. High-quality polypropylene capacitors are used throughout the network.

In the three-way models, Wharfedale separates the crossover circuitry across dual “direct-path” boards to minimize interference between frequency sections. Internal wiring is completed using high-purity LC-OFC copper conductors.

Together, these upgrades are intended to improve coherence, timing accuracy, and overall musical transparency.

Advanced Cabinet Construction

The Elysian R cabinets continue to showcase Wharfedale’s commitment to both acoustic engineering and premium craftsmanship.

The enclosures utilize the company’s PROS (Panel Resonance Optimisation System), which combines multiple layers of carefully selected wood materials to reduce unwanted cabinet resonances and coloration.

Each cabinet receives a six-layer hand-finished lacquer treatment, creating a rigid and acoustically inert structure designed to let the drivers perform with minimal interference from the enclosure itself.

Wharfedale's Elysian R speakers combine a furniture aesthetic with PROS (Panel Resonance Optimisation System) to eliminate resonances through multi-layered wood construction.

Refreshed Finishes for a Modern Look

The visual design has also evolved.

While the original Elysian range was available in high-gloss black and white finishes, the Elysian R introduces more contemporary matte black and matte gray options. Traditional walnut remains available for those seeking a classic luxury appearance.

The updated finishes give the speakers a cleaner, more modern aesthetic while maintaining the furniture-grade craftsmanship that helped define the original series.

Five Models in the Elysian R Range

The new lineup consists of five speakers covering both stereo and home cinema applications:

Elysian 1R – 2-way standmount speaker
Elysian 2R – 3-way standmount speaker
Elysian 3R – 3-way floorstanding speaker
Elysian 4R – flagship 3-way floorstanding speaker
Elysian CR – dedicated center channel speaker

Each model benefits from the extensive acoustic, mechanical, and crossover improvements introduced throughout the range.

Technical Highlights

Elysian 1R

2-way standmount design
27x90mm AMT tweeter
180mm woven glass-fibre woofer
Sensitivity: 89dB
Frequency response: 49Hz – 22kHz

Elysian 2R

3-way standmount design
27x90mm AMT tweeter
150mm glass-fibre midrange
220mm glass-fibre woofer
Frequency response: 35Hz – 22kHz

Elysian 3R

3-way floorstanding speaker
Dual 180mm bass drivers
150mm dedicated midrange
Frequency response: 44Hz – 22kHz

Elysian 4R

Flagship floorstander
Dual 220mm woofers
150mm midrange driver
27x90mm AMT tweeter
Sensitivity: 92dB
Frequency response: 30Hz – 22kHz
Bass extension: 24Hz (-6dB)

Elysian CR

Dedicated center-channel speaker
Dual 220mm woofers
150mm midrange
27x45mm AMT tweeter
Frequency response: 35Hz – 22kHz

Availability

According to Wharfedale, the Elysian R series will begin arriving at dealers from the end of June. With extensive upgrades to its driver technology, crossover architecture, cabinet design, and bass loading system, the new range appears poised to push Wharfedale’s flagship loudspeakers to an even higher level of performance while retaining the luxurious craftsmanship that made the original Elysian series such a success.