Wharfedale - Elysian 2R Bookshelf Speakers (Pair)

Flagship Bookshelf Speaker Delivers Sound That's Usually the Province of Towers: Wharfedale Elysian 2R Features Refined AMT Tweeter with PET Diaphragm and 8.5-Inch Glass-Fiber Matrix Woofer 

Delivering room-filling sound once the exclusive province of high-end towers, the gorgeous Wharfedale Elysian 2R bookshelf loudspeaker plays with the silky smooth highs, soulful emotionalism, and taut, deep bass befitting of the highest-performing flagship standmount creation in the U.K.-based company's nine-decade-plus history. Afforded the structural muscle to move massive amounts of air and the intricate electrical engineering necessary to capture subtle cues, Elysian 2R touts a refined 1 x 3.5-inch AMT (Air Motion Transformer) tweeter and six-inch woven glass-fiber matrix midrange to produce arresting levels of tonal accuracy, richly layered detail, and holographic presence. That it looks like a million bucks adds to the appeal.

Overseen by designer Peter Comeau, Elysian 2R takes the wide-frequency dispersion and speed capabilities of the AMT tweeter with a lightweight PET diaphragm and acoustically damped rear chamber and pushes it all to where they've never gone before. Couple such feats with those of a mammoth 8.5-inch coated glass-fiber matrix woofer, responsible for fast transients due to the low mass and high rigidity of their architecture.

In Elysian 2R, no detail goes overlooked. As for the optimized crossover components? Start with high-silicon-iron-cored coils for the bass that provide low DCR and enable the amplifier to exert excellent control over the drivers. Air-core coils are used for the midrange and treble, complemented by Super Audiophile Polypropylene capacitors throughout the signal path. All resistors are low-inductance types, specifically chosen for their neutral effect on music signals.

On the fence because of placement concerns? Rest assured, Elysian 2R proves easier to place near walls and furniture than conventionally designed models in its class due to an innovative bass port (SLPP) that vents its lowest frequencies to a slot at the base, thereby equalizing the high internal pressure to the low pressure in your room. No wonder Elysian 2R reaches down to 28Hz, a region few bookshelf models ever venture to go.

Matching existing or potential amplification with Elysian 2R also makes high-end audio easy — like it should be. The speaker's 89dB efficiency rating, 67-pound weight, modest 27.6 x 13.1 x 18.2-inch (HWD) footprint, and opulent cabinetry  blend with nearly any room dimension or decor. Arrange for a risk-free in-home audition today or call us at 312-433-0200 for more information on this stunner. 

Elysian R Series: What's Different from the Original Line
Elysian R builds upon the proven foundation of the original series, enhancing performance through refinements focused on advances in crossover execution, driver capability, and optimized cabinet behavior. Enhanced AMT performance delivers even greater resolution and transient accuracy. Refined glass-fiber matrix drivers improve clarity and control, while advanced crossover modeling ensures superior phase integration. Additionally, cabinet refinements reduce resonance and enhance acoustic transparency. The result is a loudspeaker that retains the unmistakable Elysian character (effortless, dynamic, expansive) while delivering greater precision, refinement, and realism.

Grab Some Air
The refined AMT (Air Motion Transformer) high-frequency driver is an inherently superior transducer capable of delivering wide bandwidth, ultra-low distortion, and exceptional speed. Unlike conventional dome tweeters, AMT uses a pleated diaphragm to move air with remarkable efficiency and precision, resulting in greater detail, faster transient response, and more natural high-frequency reproduction. The Elysian R Series AMT features an ultra-lightweight PET diaphragm with an enlarged, high-spec design and acoustically damped rear chamber. This ensures even more open, extended and effortless treble performance.

A Midrange for Natural Expression
The proprietary woven glass-fiber matrix midrange driver has been further refined to deliver astonishing realism and tonal accuracy. Enhancements to the low-mass, high-strength cone construction complement the advanced motor system. This aluminum ring improves distortion control while the custom-designed phase plug aids the wide dispersion and linear response. The result is a midrange performance that places vocals and instruments precisely and naturally within the soundstage, enhancing emotional connection to the music.

A Cabinet That Contributes to Memorable Performance
The cabinet preserves its iconic design while incorporating improvements in finish and acoustic performance. It features multi-layer PROS (Panel Resonance Optimization System) construction, which reduces cabinet resonance and energy leakage, thereby enhancing structural integrity. The cabinet is finished with premium materials, including matte and piano lacquer options. It remains acoustically inert, allowing the drivers to deliver maximum clarity with minimal coloration.

Signature Port
The signature Slot-Loaded Profiled Port (SLPP) has been further optimized to maximize efficiency and minimize distortion. It equalizes internal and external air pressure, improves bass extension and control, and reduces placement sensitivity. As a result, it delivers bass performance that is not only powerful but also clean, fast, and consistent across different listening environments.

Aesthetic Evolution
For Elysian R, a matte approach follows modern trends and contemporary design language, complementing modern interiors while preserving the series’ unmistakable presence, feel, and luxurious standing. Choose between opulent matte black and matte grey, or the ever-popular, standard-defining piano lacquered walnut. Equally contemporary matte-black trims, driver detailing, and metalwork complement the simplified, understated visual identity.