Wharfedale Elysian 4R Floorstanding Speakers

Overview

The Wharfedale Elysian 4R is the flagship floorstander in the Elysian R series, the next chapter in a British loudspeaker story that began in 1932. Developed by the team led by Director of Acoustic Design Peter Comeau, the Elysian R range refines everything listeners have admired about the original Elysian series, warmth, intimacy, freedom from listening fatigue, and an uncoloured British sound, and pushes it further with greater precision and realism.

At the heart of the design sits a reworked Air Motion Transformer high frequency driver with an ultra lightweight PET pleated diaphragm and a newly added acoustically damped rear chamber. The result is exceptionally low distortion, outstanding detail retrieval, and an open, extended top end that stays smooth and refined. A dedicated 6 inch midrange and dual 8.5 inch coated glass fibre matrix woofers handle the body and foundation, with crossover points at 340Hz and 3.1kHz.

Finished to a standard worthy of the finest homes and galleries, the Elysian 4R is offered in Gloss Walnut, Matte Black, and Matte Grey. It reaches down to 30Hz and provides a generous 92dB sensitivity, making it an expressive, full range partner for a wide range of quality amplification.

Key Features

• Advanced AMT Tweeter. The Air Motion Transformer high frequency driver uses a large pleated diaphragm in ultra lightweight PET, moving air with speed and accuracy for detailed, sweetly extended highs that stay free from harshness.
• Damped Rear Chamber. A newly added acoustically damped rear chamber absorbs the back wave from the AMT diaphragm, lowering distortion and delivering even cleaner, more open treble.
• Dual 8.5 Inch Woofers. Two 8.5 inch coated glass fibre matrix cones anchor the low end with authority, reaching down to a -6dB bass extension of 24Hz for a full and confident foundation.
• Dedicated Midrange. A 6 inch coated glass fibre matrix midrange driver focuses on the critical vocal and instrumental region, preserving the intimate, uncoloured character that defines the Elysian voice.
• Refined British Sound. Voiced by Peter Comeau and team for warmth, freedom from listening fatigue, and long term enjoyment, keeping the unmistakable Elysian character intact while elevating precision.
• Gallery Grade Finish. Available in Gloss Walnut, Matte Black, and Matte Grey, the cabinet is finished to a level worthy of placement in the finest homes.
• Amplifier Friendly. With 92dB sensitivity and a wide recommended power range of 15 to 250W, the Elysian 4R adapts to many quality amplifiers while a 4 ohm nominal impedance rewards a capable partner.

How the Elysian 4R Compares

Wharfedale Elysian 4R vs Spendor D7.2

Another British floorstander with a natural, engaging voice. The Spendor D7.2 favors a slightly leaner, agile presentation, while the Elysian 4R leans on dual woofers and an AMT for greater scale and top end air. Choose based on room size and tonal preference.

Wharfedale Elysian 4R vs Amphion Argon 7LX

The Amphion Argon 7LX emphasizes controlled dispersion and precise imaging with a waveguide loaded tweeter. The Elysian 4R offers a more expansive low end and the AMT signature. Consider your listening distance and how you like to place speakers relative to the walls.

Wharfedale Elysian 4R vs Gauder Akustik Arcona 80 MKII SD

The Gauder Arcona 80 MKII SD brings German precision and steep slope crossover design for pinpoint focus. The Elysian 4R offers a warmer, more relaxed British character. Both are refined full range towers, so the choice comes down to voicing preference.

Wharfedale Elysian 4R vs Gauder Akustik Capello 40 DV

The Capello 40 DV is a compact yet ambitious floorstander with a resolving, detailed presentation. The Elysian 4R trades some of that compactness for larger woofers and deeper reach. Pick according to room size and how much low frequency weight you want.

Wharfedale Elysian 4R vs Wharfedale Elysian 3R (next step down)

Step down to the Elysian 3R, a dual 8.5 inch 3-way floorstander in the Elysian R series.

Recommended Amplifiers

The Elysian 4R rewards a refined amplifier with good current delivery for its 4 ohm load. Its 92dB sensitivity means you do not need enormous power, but a musical, controlled amp brings out the AMT air and woofer authority. Here are strong matches from our lineup, chosen by drive capability, sonic character, and system fit.

• Luxman L-507Z Integrated Amplifier: A superb all in one match. The L-507Z pairs Luxman's smooth, refined tonality with ample control for the 4 ohm load, complementing the warm British voice of the Elysian 4R.
• Accuphase E-4000 Stereo Integrated Amplifier: The E-4000 delivers effortless power and Accuphase precision, keeping firm command of the dual woofers while preserving the AMT's delicate detail.
• Luxman L-509Z Integrated Amplifier: A flagship integrated with generous drive and finesse. The L-509Z brings authority and openness that let the Elysian 4R scale up in larger rooms.
• Accuphase A-48S Class-A Stereo Power Amplifier: For a pure Class A separates approach, the A-48S offers rich, liquid tone and excellent grip on the 4 ohm load, ideal paired with a matching preamplifier.
• Yamaha A-S3200 Integrated Amplifier: A powerful, beautifully built integrated with a clean, dynamic character. The A-S3200 provides plenty of headroom and precise control for the Elysian 4R.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the Elysian 4R speakers sold as a pair?

Yes. The Wharfedale Elysian 4R is sold as a matched pair of floorstanding loudspeakers.

What type of speaker is the Elysian 4R?

It is a 3-way bass reflex floorstanding loudspeaker and the flagship model in the Elysian R series.

What drivers does the Elysian 4R use?

It uses dual 8.5 inch coated glass fibre matrix woofers, a 6 inch coated glass fibre matrix midrange, and a 27 x 90mm AMT high frequency driver.

What is an AMT tweeter?

An Air Motion Transformer uses a pleated diaphragm driven across its surface to move air quickly and accurately, delivering detailed, extended, and low distortion high frequencies.

How low does the Elysian 4R reach?

Frequency response is rated at 30Hz to 22kHz (+/-3dB), with a -6dB bass extension down to 24Hz.

What is the sensitivity?

Sensitivity is 92dB measured at 2.83V at 1 meter, which is fairly efficient for a speaker of this class.

What impedance are these speakers?

Nominal impedance is 4 ohms with 8 ohm compatibility, and minimum impedance is 3.2 ohms.

How much amplifier power do I need?

Wharfedale recommends amplifiers between 15 and 250 watts. A quality amp with good current delivery will let these speakers perform at their best.

What are the crossover frequencies?

The crossover points are 340Hz between the woofers and midrange, and 3.1kHz between the midrange and AMT tweeter.

What finishes are available?

The Elysian 4R is offered in Gloss Walnut, Matte Black, and Matte Grey.

How big are the Elysian 4R speakers?

On the plinth they measure 46.8 inches tall, 15.8 inches wide, and 18.2 inches deep with terminals.

How much do they weigh?

Each speaker weighs 109.1 pounds, so plan for careful handling and setup.

How does the Elysian R differ from the original Elysian?

The Elysian R refines the original 2020 design with a reworked AMT featuring an ultra lightweight PET diaphragm and a damped rear chamber, plus greater overall precision and refinement.

What kind of room suits these speakers?

With dual 8.5 inch woofers and deep extension, the Elysian 4R is well suited to medium and larger rooms where its full range foundation can breathe.

Do the Elysian 4R speakers come with grilles?

Yes, removable grilles are included, and many listeners prefer running them off for maximum openness.

What amplifiers pair well with the Elysian 4R?

Refined integrated and separate amplifiers from Luxman, Accuphase, and Yamaha pair beautifully. See our recommended amplifiers for specific picks.

Is the peak SPL suitable for large rooms?

The Elysian 4R is rated to a peak SPL of 110dB, providing plenty of headroom for dynamic music at satisfying levels.

Are these speakers biwire capable?

Please contact us to confirm terminal configuration for your finish. We are happy to advise on cabling for your setup.

Can All Elite Audio help with setup and placement?

Absolutely. As an authorized Wharfedale dealer in Maryland, we can guide placement, amplifier matching, and system integration for the Elysian 4R.

Why buy from All Elite Audio?

All Elite Audio is an authorized Wharfedale dealer, so your Elysian 4R arrives with full factory warranty and genuine support. Our team offers expert guidance on amplifier matching, room setup, and system building, backed by attentive service before and after your purchase.