Wharfedale Refreshes Flagship Elysian Series with New Elysian R Models

Explore the latest Wharfedale Elysian R speakers featuring upgraded AMT tweeters, refined drivers, and elegant finishes for audiophiles seeking top-tier sound.

A Fresh Chapter for Wharfedale's Flagship Elysian Line

If you’ve ever been enchanted by the rich soundstage and exquisite craftsmanship of Wharfedale’s Elysian series, get ready to be wowed again. The British audio icon has unveiled the Elysian R, an updated take on their flagship speakers first launched in 2020. While the new line stays true to the core design philosophies of its predecessor, it comes packed with tantalizing technical tweaks and refinements that aim to elevate your listening experience even further.

The Elysian R collection comes in three stunning finishes, offering a fresh look that’s as classy as the sound quality is pristine.

Meet the New Elysian R Family

The lineup expands across five models designed to cater to a variety of audio setups:

• Elysian 1R: A two-way bookshelf speaker.
• Elysian 2R: A three-way bookshelf design.
• Elysian 3R and Elysian 4R: Floor-standing three-way speakers.
• Elysian CR: A central channel speaker for home theater lovers.

For those who appreciate a cohesive setup, Wharfedale offers optional custom stands for the bookshelf models and the center channel, ensuring your speakers are presented just right.

Upgraded AMT Tweeters for Crystal Clear Highs

The jewel in the crown of the Elysian R series speakers is the revamped Air Motion Transformer (AMT) tweeter. Wharfedale has pushed the envelope with an ultralight PET membrane coupled with an acoustically damped rear chamber. This design moves air more efficiently than traditional dome tweeters, promising faster transient responses and lower distortion in the upper frequency ranges.

This means shimmering highs that don’t fatigue the ears — a real treat for those who savor every sparkle in their favorite tracks.

Midrange and Bass Drivers: Precision Meets Power

Except for the entry-level Elysian 1R speaker, every speaker in the range boasts a 150mm fiberglass midrange driver, now enhanced with a high-flexibility coating, an aluminum demodulation ring, and a custom-designed phase plug. These improvements help deliver cleaner, more detailed mids that bring vocals and instruments to life with stunning realism.

Low frequencies are handled by either 180mm or 220mm bass drivers, depending on the model, ensuring robust and controlled bass response tailored to the speaker’s size and purpose.

Wharfedale’s Signature Bass Port System

One of the coolest innovations here is the Slot-Loaded Profiled Port (SLPP) system for bass reflex. This slot port vents low-frequency energy through the bottom of the cabinet, working to reduce port distortion and making speaker placement in your room less finicky—a blessing for any home audio setup.

This thoughtful design means you get punchy, accurate bass without the usual hassle of hunting for the perfect spot.

Crossover Redesigned for Sonic Purity

Wharfedale also took a scalpel to the internal crossover networks. High-quality silicon-iron core inductors power the bass sections, while the mid and high frequencies run through air-core coils. Signal paths now feature Super Audiophile Polypropylene capacitors and low-inductance resistors to keep the signal crystal clear.

In the three-way models, the crossover is split across two circuit boards to minimize electromagnetic interference between the bass and higher-frequency sections — a true mark of engineering finesse.

Elegant Cabinetry with PROS Reinforcement

The aesthetics and build quality are just as impressive. The cabinets utilize Wharfedale’s PROS (Panel Resonance Optimization System) multilayer reinforcement to reduce unwanted vibrations. Plus, the finish has evolved from glossy black and white to a matte black and matte grey palette, while still preserving the elegance of walnut veneer under a grand piano lacquer.

Hand-polished to perfection, these speakers look like works of art in addition to sounding phenomenal.

Pricing and Availability

Wharfedale plans to launch the Elysian R series speakers by the end of June 2026, with the following recommended retail prices:

• Elysian 1R: $5,995 per pair
• Elysian 2R: $8,495 per pair
• Elysian 3R: $9,995 per pair
• Elysian 4R: $11,995 per pair
• Elysian CR: $5,995 per unit

Whether you're building a new hi-fi setup or upgrading your flagship speakers, these prices reflect the premium nature and advanced technology packed into every model.

“The AMT tweeter with its ultralight PET membrane moves air more efficiently than a traditional dome, ensuring faster transient response and reduced distortion.” — Wharfedale

Are you ready to experience the refined sound and timeless elegance of the Wharfedale Elysian R series? Which model fits your dream audio setup? Let’s chat in the comments!

FAQ

• What makes the Elysian R’s AMT tweeter special?
  The ultralight PET membrane paired with an acoustically damped rear chamber allows for quicker air movement and lower distortion compared to traditional dome tweeters.
• Are speaker stands included with the Elysian R bookshelf models?
  Optional Wharfedale branded stands are available for the bookshelf and center channel speakers, sold separately.
• How does the Slot-Loaded Profiled Port improve bass performance?
  By venting bass energy through a slot port at the base, it reduces port distortion and makes speaker placement less critical in rooms.
• What finishes are available for the Elysian R series?
  The new range offers matte black, matte grey, and walnut veneer with grand piano lacquer finishes.
• When will the Elysian R speakers be available for purchase?
  They are expected to hit the market by the end of June 2026.

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