Wharfedale Floorstanding Speakers Compared: Elysian 3R vs Elysian 4R

Two Takes on the Elysian Idea

The Wharfedale Elysian series represents the company's flagship thinking, and the Elysian 3R and Elysian 4R share the same core design language. Both are three-way bass reflex floorstanders built around a coated glass fibre matrix cone for the midrange (a 6 inch, 150mm unit in each) and the same 27 x 90mm AMT (Air Motion Transformer) tweeter for high frequency detail. Both present a 4 ohm nominal impedance (8 ohm compatible), and both are available in Gloss Walnut, Matte Black, and Matte Grey, sold as a pair.

Specifications compared

Where they differ is scale. The 4R is the larger, more ambitious sibling, with bigger bass drivers, deeper extension, and a heavier cabinet. Choosing between them is largely a question of room size, output goals, and how much speaker your space can comfortably absorb.

The Models Compared

Wharfedale Elysian 3R

The Elysian 3R is the more compact floorstander in this pairing, using dual 7 inch (180mm) coated glass fibre matrix cones for the low frequencies alongside the shared 6 inch midrange and AMT tweeter. It carries a sensitivity of 89dB, a minimum impedance of 2.3 ohms, and a frequency response of 44Hz to 22kHz (+/-3dB), with bass extension down to 35Hz (-6dB). At 41.3 inches tall on its plinth and 62.7 lbs each, it is a substantial but manageable speaker rated for 30 to 200W of amplifier power with a peak SPL of 108dB.

Wharfedale Elysian 4R

The Elysian 4R is the larger, higher output model, moving to dual 8.5 inch (220mm) coated glass fibre matrix cones while retaining the 6 inch midrange and AMT tweeter. It reaches a frequency response of 30Hz to 22kHz (+/-3dB) with bass extension to 24Hz (-6dB), a higher 92dB sensitivity, and a more benign 3.2 ohm minimum impedance. At 46.8 inches tall, 15.8 inches wide, and 109.1 lbs each, it is a genuinely big speaker, rated for 15 to 250W and a peak SPL of 110dB.

Which Should You Buy by Scenario

I have a small to medium room

Choose the Elysian 3R. Its smaller footprint (10.4 inches wide, 12.4 inches deep) and 35Hz bass extension are better suited to rooms where the 4R's dual 8.5 inch drivers and 24Hz reach could overload the space and become boomy.

I have a large room and want full range weight

Choose the Elysian 4R. Its 30Hz to 22kHz response, 24Hz bass extension, and combined cabinet volumes of 38L and 79.4L give it the low end authority to fill a bigger space with headroom to spare.

I listen at high volumes or to demanding material

Lean toward the Elysian 4R. With 92dB sensitivity, a 110dB peak SPL, and a recommended power range extending to 250W, it plays louder with less strain than the 3R's 89dB sensitivity and 108dB peak.

I have a modest amplifier and want an easier match

Either works, but the 4R is the more forgiving load thanks to its 3.2 ohm minimum impedance and 15W lower power threshold, while the 3R dips to 2.3 ohms and wants at least 30W to come alive.

I have limited floor space or need to move them myself

Choose the Elysian 3R. At 62.7 lbs each versus the 4R's 109.1 lbs, and noticeably smaller in every dimension, it is the easier speaker to position and live with day to day.

A Note on Matching and the Rest of the System

Both models present a 4 ohm nominal impedance (8 ohm compatible), so a stable amplifier with good current delivery is worthwhile, particularly for the 3R given its 2.3 ohm minimum. The 3R's 30 to 200W rating and 89dB sensitivity ask for a bit more drive, while the 4R's 15 to 250W range and 92dB sensitivity make it easier to energize. As bass reflex designs with meaningful low end (35Hz on the 3R, 24Hz on the 4R), both benefit from careful placement, with the larger 4R generally wanting more breathing room from rear and side walls to keep the bass clean.

Come Listen at AEA

The best way to choose between the Elysian 3R and Elysian 4R is to hear them in person at the All Elite Audio showroom in Timonium, Maryland, where our team can help you match them to your room and system. Demo units rotate, so please reach out ahead of your visit to confirm what is currently set up for audition.