Wharfedale Elysian R Series Loudspeakers
WHARFEDALE ELYSIAN R SERIES: FLAGSHIP LOUDSPEAKERS RECEIVE SECOND-GENERATION UPDATE
Wharfedale has introduced the new Wharfedale Elysian R Series, the second generation of its flagship loudspeaker range.
Building on the original Elysian models launched in 2020, the updated Wharfedale Elysian R Series replaces all five previous models with revised engineering, new finish options and a series of refinements aimed at improving overall performance.
WHARFEDALE ELYSIAN R SERIES LOUDSPEAKERS
Designed by the same development team responsible for the original Elysian range, led by Director of Acoustic Design Peter Comeau, the Elysian R Series continues Wharfedale’s approach of refining an established platform rather than starting from scratch.
The new range comprises five models covering both stereo and home cinema applications. The Elysian 1R is a two-way standmount design, while the Elysian 2R adds a dedicated midrange driver in a three-way standmount configuration. Floorstanding duties are handled by the three-way Elysian 3R and Elysian 4R, while the Elysian CR centre speaker completes the line-up for multichannel systems.
The speakers will be available in matt black, matt grey and piano lacquered walnut finishes, with dedicated stands offered for the Elysian 1R, Elysian 2R and Elysian CR models.
DRIVER UPDATES
A key feature retained from the original Elysian range is the Air Motion Transformer (AMT) high-frequency driver. Wharfedale says the revised AMT unit now incorporates an updated PET diaphragm design and an acoustically damped rear chamber intended to improve resolution and transient response.
All models except the Elysian 1R employ a dedicated 150mm woven glass fibre matrix midrange driver, which has also been revised. According to Wharfedale, updates include refinements to cone construction, motor design and damping arrangements designed to improve tonal accuracy and reduce distortion.
Bass performance is handled by glass fibre matrix bass drivers measuring either 180mm or 220mm depending on the model. Larger speakers in the range continue to use Wharfedale’s Slot-Loaded Profiled Port (SLPP) system, designed to manage airflow and reduce the positioning sensitivity often associated with conventional bass reflex designs.
WHARFEDALE ELYSIAN R SERIES CROSSOVER AND CABINET DESIGN
Wharfedale has revised the crossover networks throughout the range, using updated circuit board layouts and carefully selected components intended to improve integration between the drive units.
The cabinets also receive attention, featuring the latest version of Wharfedale’s Panel Resonance Optimisation System (PROS). Multi-layer construction techniques and strategically placed internal bracing are used to reduce unwanted cabinet resonance and minimise colouration.
Visually, the Elysian R Series adopts a more contemporary appearance through the introduction of matt black and matt grey finishes, replacing the previous high-gloss black and white options. The walnut veneer finish remains available, retaining its piano lacquer treatment.
WHARFEDALE ELYSIAN R SERIES PRICE AND AVAILABILITY
The Wharfedale Elysian R Series will be available from late June 2026.
UK pricing is as follows:
Elysian 1R: £3,499 per pair, with optional stands priced at £399
Elysian 2R: £4,999 per pair, with optional stands priced at £449
Elysian 3R: £5,999 per pair
Elysian 4R: £6,999 per pair
Elysian CR: £3,499 each, with an optional stand priced at £449
All models are supplied with spikes, spike shoes for hard floors, jumper cables and white handling gloves.
HiFi PiG says: A very smart looking new reference range from Wharfedale.
