Wharfedale Launches Second-Generation Elysian R Series

Wharfedale has announced the new Elysian R Series, the second generation of its flagship loudspeaker range. Building on the foundation established by the original Elysian models launched in 2020, the new series introduces revised drivers, upgraded crossover networks, cabinet refinements, and an updated visual design.

The Elysian R lineup consists of five models: the Elysian 1R and 2R standmounts, the Elysian 3R and 4R floorstanders, and the Elysian CR centre speaker. Prices range from £3,499 per pair for the Elysian 1R up to £6,999 per pair for the flagship Elysian 4R.

According to Wharfedale, the Elysian R project was developed by the same engineering team responsible for the original Elysian series, led by Director of Acoustic Design Peter Comeau. Rather than redesigning the range from scratch, the company focused on refining every key aspect of the loudspeaker platform, including driver performance, crossover execution, cabinet behaviour and production tolerances.

Enhanced AMT Tweeter

A key feature carried over from the original Elysian series is Wharfedale’s Air Motion Transformer (AMT) tweeter. For the new R Series, the AMT unit has been redesigned with an enlarged PET diaphragm and an acoustically damped rear chamber.

Wharfedale states that the revised design improves resolution, transient accuracy and high-frequency extension while maintaining the low distortion characteristics that have made the AMT a defining feature of the Elysian range.

Revised Midrange and Bass Drivers

The dedicated midrange driver used in all models except the Elysian 1R continues to use Wharfedale’s woven glass fibre matrix cone technology, but with further refinements to the cone construction, motor system and damping structure. Improvements include a revised cone coating, aluminium demodulation ring and custom phase plug designed to improve distortion performance and dispersion characteristics.

The bass drivers have also been updated, with Wharfedale claiming improved low-distortion motor systems and enhanced control. Depending on the model, bass extension reaches as low as 24Hz in the flagship Elysian 4R.

Updated SLPP Bass Loading and Crossover Design

The larger models continue to use Wharfedale’s Slot-Loaded Profiled Port (SLPP) bass loading system, which vents low-frequency energy through a slot between the cabinet and plinth. The company says the design reduces distortion, improves efficiency and makes room placement less critical than conventional rear-ported loudspeakers.

Significant work has also gone into the crossover networks. The Elysian R Series features revised crossover designs using low-DCR silicon-iron-cored coils for bass frequencies, air-core coils for midrange and treble, polypropylene capacitors and newly developed direct-path circuit boards. In the three-way models, the crossover network is split across two separate PCBs to reduce interference between bass and higher-frequency sections.

New Finishes

Visually, the Elysian R Series moves away from the high-gloss black and white finishes of the original models. New matt black and matt grey finishes join a retained piano walnut option, with updated trim and driver detailing creating a more contemporary appearance.