Wharfedale Elysian 1R Bookshelf Speakers

Overview

The Wharfedale Elysian 1R is the standmount flagship of the Elysian R series, the next chapter in a British loudspeaker legacy that stretches back to 1932. Developed by the team led by Director of Acoustic Design Peter Comeau, the Elysian R range refines everything listeners have loved about the original Elysian: warmth, intimacy, freedom from listening fatigue, and an uncolored British sound. The 1R pushes that character further with greater precision and realism while remaining beautifully finished for the finest rooms.

At its heart is a 27 x 90mm Air Motion Transformer high frequency driver whose large pleated diaphragm, now made from ultra lightweight PET material, moves air with exceptional speed and accuracy. A newly added acoustically damped rear chamber absorbs the diaphragm back wave for clear, sweetly extended highs with remarkably low distortion. Below it, a 7 inch coated glass fibre matrix cone delivers taut, articulate bass and a natural midrange, handing off at 2.6kHz.

Housed in a bass reflex cabinet of roughly 21.6 litres and offered in Gloss Walnut, Matte Black, and Matte Grey, the Elysian 1R is sold as a pair, either as speakers only or with the purpose built matching stands. It is a compelling choice for listeners who want the scale and refinement of a larger speaker in a room friendly footprint.

Key Features

• Air Motion Transformer Tweeter. The 27 x 90mm AMT uses a large pleated PET diaphragm driven evenly across its surface, moving air with exceptional speed for open, extended highs and low distortion.
• Damped Rear Chamber. A newly added acoustically damped rear chamber absorbs the diaphragm back wave, delivering clearer and sweeter high frequency reproduction.
• 7 Inch Glass Fibre Matrix Cone. The coated glass fibre matrix bass and midrange driver combines low mass with high rigidity for articulate low end and a natural, uncolored midrange.
• The Elysian British Sound. Voiced by Peter Comeau and team to preserve warmth, intimacy, and freedom from listening fatigue while adding greater precision and realism.
• Bass Reflex Cabinet. A carefully tuned 21.6 litre bass reflex enclosure supports bass extension to 44Hz for a full sound from a standmount footprint.
• Gallery Grade Finishes. Available in Gloss Walnut, Matte Black, and Matte Grey, finely finished to belong in the finest homes and galleries.
• Stand Ready Design. Sold as a pair and available with purpose built matching stands for optimal height, stability, and imaging.

How the Elysian 1R Compares

Wharfedale Elysian 1R vs MoFi Electronics SourcePoint 10 Master Edition

Also distributed through the MoFi family, the SourcePoint 10 Master Edition uses a concentric driver for pinpoint imaging, while the Elysian 1R leans on its AMT tweeter for airy, extended highs. Choose based on whether you prefer a coincident point source presentation or the AMT character.

Wharfedale Elysian 1R vs Spendor Classic 2/3 Two Way Stand Mount

The Spendor Classic 2/3 offers the classic BBC influenced voicing with a relaxed, room friendly balance. The Elysian 1R trades some of that vintage character for the speed and detail of its AMT tweeter, so it comes down to your tonal preference.

Wharfedale Elysian 1R vs Amphion Argon 3X

The Amphion Argon 3X emphasizes controlled dispersion and forgiving placement, while the Elysian 1R aims for warmth combined with high frequency openness. Both are excellent standmounts suited to different rooms and listening tastes.

Wharfedale Elysian 1R vs Mission 770 Classic

The Mission 770 Classic revives a beloved retro British monitor with a warm, engaging midrange. The Elysian 1R is the more resolving and extended of the two, so pick according to whether nostalgia or high resolution detail matters most to you.

Wharfedale Elysian 1R vs Wharfedale Elysian 2R (next step up)

Step up to the Elysian 2R, an 8.5 inch 3-way standmount in the same Elysian R flagship series.

Recommended Amplifiers

The Elysian 1R is a 4 ohm design with 89dB sensitivity that rewards clean, capable amplification within its 25 to 175 watt window. These AEA options span integrated, receiver, and separate power amp approaches to suit different budgets and listening styles.

• Luxman L-505Z Integrated Amplifier: The Luxman L-505Z brings refined, musical control with the current to handle the Elysian 1R's 4 ohm load, complementing the AMT tweeter with a smooth, natural balance.
• Yamaha A-S2200 Integrated Amplifier: The A-S2200 offers a clean, robust presentation and excellent low frequency grip, a well matched single box solution that stays comfortably within the recommended power range.
• Advance Paris A12 APEX Integrated Amplifier: A powerful, full featured integrated that drives the Elysian 1R with ease and adds a slightly warm, engaging character that suits their British voicing.
• Parasound JC5 Stereo Power Amp: For those running a separate preamp or streamer, the JC5 delivers ample current into 4 ohms for effortless dynamics and firm control of the 7 inch woofer.
• Matrix Audio MD-1P Streaming Integrated Amplifier: An all in one streaming integrated that keeps the system tidy while providing the clean power the Elysian 1R needs for detailed, room filling sound.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the Wharfedale Elysian 1R sold individually or as a pair?

The Elysian 1R is sold as a pair. You can order them as speakers only or with the matching stands.

What kind of tweeter does the Elysian 1R use?

It uses a 27 x 90mm Air Motion Transformer (AMT) with an ultra lightweight pleated PET diaphragm and an acoustically damped rear chamber.

What is the woofer on the Elysian 1R?

A 7 inch (180mm) coated glass fibre matrix cone handles the low and mid frequencies.

What is the frequency response?

Frequency response is rated at 49Hz to 22kHz (+/-3dB), with bass extension to 44Hz at -6dB.

What is the impedance of the Elysian 1R?

Nominal impedance is 4 ohms and it is 8 ohm compatible, with a minimum impedance of 3.8 ohms.

How sensitive are these speakers?

Sensitivity is 89dB measured at 2.83V at 1 meter.

How much amplifier power do they need?

Wharfedale recommends amplifier power in the range of 25 to 175 watts.

What is the crossover frequency?

The crossover point between the woofer and AMT tweeter is 2.6kHz.

How big are the Elysian 1R speakers?

They measure 19.3 inches high, 10.4 inches wide, and 12.4 inches deep on the plinth including terminals.

How much do they weigh?

Each speaker weighs 33.1 lbs, so plan for a sturdy stand or shelf.

What finishes are available?

The Elysian 1R comes in Gloss Walnut, Matte Black, and Matte Grey.

Do they come with stands?

You can choose speakers only or add the purpose built matching stands, which set optimal height and improve stability.

What type of cabinet do they use?

They use a bass reflex enclosure with a cabinet volume of approximately 21.6 litres.

Are the Elysian 1R good for a smaller room?

Yes. As a standmount with deep bass extension for its size, they deliver a big sound in a room friendly footprint.

Can I use them for home theater?

Absolutely. They work beautifully as front left and right channels and can be matched within the Elysian R range for a full system.

Who designed the Elysian R series?

The series was developed by the same team behind the original Elysian, led by Director of Acoustic Design Peter Comeau.

What does the AMT tweeter sound like?

It provides fast, detailed, and sweetly extended highs with remarkably low distortion, contributing to the open and fatigue free Elysian character.

Is the Elysian 1R a good match for tube amplifiers?

With its 4 ohm nominal impedance and 89dB sensitivity, it pairs best with amplifiers that offer stable current delivery. Contact us to match your specific amplifier.

Is All Elite Audio an authorized Wharfedale dealer?

Yes. AEA is an authorized Wharfedale dealer in Maryland, so your speakers come with full manufacturer warranty and support.

Why buy from All Elite Audio?

As an authorized Wharfedale dealer in Maryland, All Elite Audio offers genuine product with full warranty, expert setup and pairing advice, and attentive service before and after the sale. We help you choose the right amplifier, finish, and stand option so your Elysian 1R performs at its best.