Wharfedale Bookshelf Speakers Compared: Elysian 1R vs Elysian 2R

Two Standmounts, One Design Language

The Wharfedale Elysian series represents the brand's flagship thinking in a standmount form, and both the Elysian 1R and Elysian 2R share the same core design philosophy. Each model pairs Wharfedale's coated glass fibre matrix cone technology with a 27 x 90mm AMT (Air Motion Transformer) tweeter, a combination chosen to deliver detailed, airy highs alongside controlled, articulate low frequencies. Both use a bass reflex enclosure, both carry a 4 ohm nominal impedance (8 ohm compatible), and both are rated at 89dB sensitivity, so the family resemblance runs deep.

Specifications compared

The difference comes down to scale and ambition. The 1R is a compact two way design, while the 2R steps up to a larger three way that reaches noticeably lower. This guide walks through where each one fits so you can match the right Elysian to your room, your listening, and your amplifier.

The Models Compared

Wharfedale Elysian 1R

The Elysian 1R is a 2-way bass reflex standmount built around a 7 inch (180mm) coated glass fibre matrix cone and the 27 x 90mm AMT tweeter, crossing over at 2.6kHz. It offers a frequency response of 49Hz to 22kHz (+/-3dB) with bass extension down to 44Hz (-6dB), from a 21.6 litre cabinet. At 19.3 x 10.4 x 12.4 inches on its plinth and 33.1 lbs each, it is the more compact and room friendly member of the pair, and it can be sold as speakers only or with matching stands. It handles a recommended amplifier power of 25 to 175W and reaches a peak SPL of 108dB.

Wharfedale Elysian 2R

The Elysian 2R is a larger 3-way standmount that adds a dedicated 6 inch (150mm) midrange driver between an 8.5 inch (220mm) coated glass fibre matrix bass cone and the same 27 x 90mm AMT tweeter, with crossover points at 360Hz and 2.9kHz. That extra driver and larger cabinet (17.5L and 43.6L internal volumes) push the frequency response to 35Hz to 22kHz (+/-3dB) with bass extension to 28Hz (-6dB). It stands 27.6 inches tall, measures 13.1 inches wide and 18.2 inches deep, and weighs 67.2 lbs each. With a recommended amplifier power of 25 to 250W and a peak SPL of 109dB, it sits at the top of this standmount comparison.

Which Should You Buy by Scenario

You have a small or medium sized room

Choose the Elysian 1R, because its 21.6 litre cabinet and 19.3 x 10.4 x 12.4 inch footprint suit tighter spaces where the larger 2R could overwhelm the room. Its 44Hz bass extension (-6dB) still provides satisfying low end without needing a lot of distance to breathe.

You want the deepest bass from a standmount

Choose the Elysian 2R, because its three way design and 8.5 inch bass driver reach down to 28Hz (-6dB) with a frequency response starting at 35Hz (+/-3dB), considerably lower than the 1R. This is the pick if you listen to full scale orchestral works, electronic music, or film soundtracks and want weight to match.

You listen at higher volumes in a larger space

Choose the Elysian 2R, because it accepts up to 250W of recommended amplifier power and reaches a peak SPL of 109dB, giving you extra headroom over the 1R's 175W ceiling and 108dB peak. The dedicated midrange driver also helps keep vocals and instruments clear when you turn things up.

You value flexible placement and easier handling

Choose the Elysian 1R, because at 33.1 lbs each it is roughly half the weight of the 67.2 lb 2R, making it simpler to position and stand mount. The option to buy it with matching stands also streamlines setup.

You want the fullest three way sound and have the room and amp for it

Choose the Elysian 2R, because the added 6 inch midrange driver and dual crossover points (360Hz and 2.9kHz) let each driver cover a narrower band, and it can make the most of a capable amplifier up to 250W. It is the more ambitious choice when space and system allow.

A Note on Matching and the Rest of the System

Both models present a 4 ohm nominal impedance (8 ohm compatible) with a sensitivity of 89dB, so a stable amplifier that is comfortable driving lower impedance loads will serve either speaker well. The 1R dips to a minimum of 3.8 ohms and takes 25 to 175W, while the 2R dips to 3.6 ohms and accepts 25 to 250W, so if you are pairing the 2R with a larger room, favor an amplifier that lives toward the upper end of that range. Both are bass reflex designs, so give them room to breathe from rear and side walls, and place them on solid supports (the 1R on stands, the taller 2R positioned so the tweeter is near ear level) to get the most from that AMT tweeter.

Come Listen at AEA

The best way to choose between the Elysian 1R and Elysian 2R is to hear them in person, so we invite you to visit the All Elite Audio showroom in Timonium, Maryland. Demo units rotate, so if you have a particular model or finish (Gloss Walnut, Matte Black, or Matte Grey) in mind, reach out ahead of your visit and we will do our best to have it set up for an audition.