Wharfedale ELYSIAN 1R Standmount Loudspeaker (Pair)Wharfedale ELYSIAN 1R Standmount Loudspeaker at Vinyl Sound Toronto Canada The Wharfedale ELYSIAN 1R is the most compact model in the new ELYSIAN R Series flagship loudspeaker range from Wharfedale (Huntingdon, UK), available at Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada. A two way bass reflex standmount combining a further developed 27 x 90mm Air Motion Transformer (AMT) high frequency driver with updated ultra light pleated PET diaphragm and acoustically damped

Wharfedale ELYSIAN 1R Standmount Loudspeaker at Vinyl Sound Toronto Canada

The Wharfedale ELYSIAN 1R is the most compact model in the new ELYSIAN R Series flagship loudspeaker range from Wharfedale (Huntingdon, UK), available at Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada. A two-way bass reflex standmount combining a further-developed 27 x 90mm Air Motion Transformer (AMT) high-frequency driver with updated ultra-light pleated PET diaphragm and acoustically damped rear chamber, and a 7" coated glass fibre matrix bass/mid driver, the ELYSIAN 1R delivers a frequency response of 49Hz to 22kHz (±3dB) with bass extension to 44Hz (-6dB), 89dB sensitivity, and 108dB peak SPL at 15kg per speaker. Available in Walnut High Gloss, Matte Black, and Lunar Grey finishes, with matching high-carbon-steel stands available separately at Vinyl Sound Toronto.

Further-Developed AMT Tweeter with Acoustically Damped Rear Chamber

The most significant advancement of the ELYSIAN 1R over the original ELYSIAN 1 is the further-developed Air Motion Transformer high-frequency driver, updated with an ultra-light pleated PET diaphragm and acoustically damped rear chamber for a more open and effortless quality to high-frequency performance. The AMT's operating principle — in which a pleated diaphragm squeezes air between its folds rather than pushing it like a conventional dome or cone — provides a contact area with air approximately five times greater than an equivalent-sized conventional tweeter, requiring proportionally less excursion for the same sound pressure level. This lower excursion characteristic reduces mechanical distortion and delivers the fast, low-distortion, effortlessly detailed high-frequency performance that AMT-based loudspeakers are known for. The 27 x 90mm format is the same driver size as the original ELYSIAN 1, refined internally for Generation R specifications with the updated PET diaphragm and rear chamber improvements.

Coated Glass Fibre Matrix Bass/Mid Driver, SLPP Port, and Refined Crossover

The ELYSIAN 1R's 7" bass/mid driver uses a coated glass fibre matrix cone for its combination of lightweight construction, high stiffness, and effective vibration damping, providing controlled pistonic behaviour across the bass and midrange frequencies below the 2.6kHz crossover point and minimising the cone breakup modes that less rigid materials introduce. Wharfedale's SLPP Slot-Loaded Profiled Port uses a carefully profiled rear port geometry that reduces turbulence noise at high bass output levels, extends usable bass output toward the 44Hz bass extension specification, and reduces the sensitivity of bass performance to room placement — allowing more flexible positioning than a conventional circular port. The Generation R crossover is refined for cleaner integration between the AMT and bass/mid driver and more direct signal routing to both transducers, preserving imaging precision and tonal coherence across the crossover region. For systems at Vinyl Sound Toronto pairing the ELYSIAN 1R with amplifiers including the Hegel H390, Accuphase E-5000, NAD M33, or Parasound Halo A21+, the 25 to 175W recommended amplifier power range covers the full spectrum of integrated and power amplifier options available.

Key Features

• Further-Developed 27 x 90mm AMT Tweeter: Updated ultra-light PET pleated diaphragm with acoustically damped rear chamber for improved resolution, transient response, and effortless high-frequency extension to 22kHz.
• 7" Coated Glass Fibre Matrix Bass/Mid Driver: Lightweight, high-stiffness, well-damped cone for natural midband expression, controlled bass, and minimal colouration from cone breakup below 2.6kHz.
• SLPP Bass Management: Slot-Loaded Profiled Port reduces turbulence, enhances bass extension to 44Hz at -6dB, and reduces placement sensitivity for flexible room positioning.
• Refined Generation R Crossover at 2.6kHz: Cleaner driver integration, more direct signal routing, and improved imaging and tonal coherence between AMT and bass/mid driver.
• 49Hz to 22kHz Frequency Response (±3dB): Wide bandwidth from a compact 21.6-litre cabinet, with 44Hz bass extension providing genuine low-frequency performance in a standmount format.
• 89dB Sensitivity / 4Ω Nominal Impedance: Compatible with amplifiers from 25 to 175W; minimum impedance 3.8 ohm, compatible with 4 ohm rated amplifiers.
• 108dB Peak SPL Capability: Dynamic headroom for large-scale orchestral, rock, and electronic music at realistic listening levels.
• Home Theatre Compatible: Designed by Wharfedale as the ideal surround speaker for ELYSIAN R home theatre systems, pairing with the ELYSIAN CR centre channel and ELYSIAN 3R or 4R floorstanders.
• Matching Stands Available: High-carbon-steel tube construction with top plates and hardened base spikes, sold separately at Vinyl Sound Toronto.
• 3-Year Warranty: Wharfedale 3-year manufacturer warranty.

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Wharfedale ELYSIAN 1R?

The Wharfedale ELYSIAN 1R is the most compact standmount loudspeaker in the ELYSIAN R Series flagship range from Wharfedale, Huntingdon, UK. It is a two-way bass reflex design with a further-developed 27 x 90mm AMT tweeter featuring updated ultra-light PET diaphragm and acoustically damped rear chamber, a 7" coated glass fibre matrix bass/mid driver, SLPP port, and refined Generation R crossover at 2.6kHz. It measures 490mm tall on its plinth, weighs 15kg per speaker, delivers 49Hz to 22kHz frequency response with 44Hz bass extension, and is available in Walnut High Gloss, Matte Black, or Lunar Grey.

How does the ELYSIAN 1R compare to the original ELYSIAN 1 and the ELYSIAN 2R?

The ELYSIAN 1R advances over the original ELYSIAN 1 through the updated AMT driver with ultra-light PET diaphragm and acoustically damped rear chamber, refined Generation R crossover for cleaner driver integration, and updated ELYSIAN R cabinet construction and finish palette. The ELYSIAN 2R steps up to a three-way design adding a dedicated 6" midrange driver, allowing the AMT to operate over a narrower and more controlled frequency band above a dedicated midrange unit rather than relying on the bass/mid driver across the full midrange. For rooms where a three-way standmount or floorstander is not practical, the ELYSIAN 1R delivers ELYSIAN R AMT performance in the most compact format in the range.

What is an Air Motion Transformer tweeter and why does it sound different from a dome tweeter?

An Air Motion Transformer uses a pleated diaphragm that squeezes air between its accordion-like folds rather than pushing air with a pistonic motion like a dome or cone tweeter. Because the pleated diaphragm contacts a much larger air mass than a dome of equivalent size, it requires proportionally less excursion to produce the same sound pressure level, resulting in lower mechanical distortion, lower intermodulation between frequencies, and a more natural high-frequency presentation that listeners consistently describe as effortless, open, and fast. The ELYSIAN 1R's 27 x 90mm AMT uses this principle with an ultra-light PET diaphragm for minimal moving mass and maximum transient accuracy.

What amplifiers pair well with the ELYSIAN 1R?

The Wharfedale ELYSIAN 1R's 4 ohm nominal impedance and 89dB sensitivity make it compatible with amplifiers from 25W upward, best served by mid-to-high-power integrated amplifiers or separates. Amplifiers available at Vinyl Sound Toronto suited to the ELYSIAN 1R include the Hegel H390 and H590, NAD M33, Accuphase E-800S and E-5000, Parasound Halo A21+, and Leben CS-600X. The 3.8 ohm minimum impedance means amplifiers should be rated into 4 ohm loads — Vinyl Sound's audio specialists in Richmond Hill, Ontario can confirm compatibility and optimal pairings for your listening room.

Can the ELYSIAN 1R be used for home theatre surround applications?

Yes. Wharfedale specifically designs the ELYSIAN 1R as the ideal surround speaker for an ELYSIAN R home theatre system, pairing with the ELYSIAN CR centre channel and ELYSIAN 3R or 4R floorstanders for front channels. The ELYSIAN 1R's compact standmount format suits rear and side surround positions where a floorstander is impractical, while its AMT tweeter ensures tonal matching with the ELYSIAN R front channels across the critical high-frequency range where directional cue information is most concentrated.

Where can I buy the Wharfedale ELYSIAN 1R in Toronto or Canada?

The Wharfedale ELYSIAN 1R Standmount Loudspeaker is available at Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada, located at 100 West Beaver Creek Road, Unit 3A, Richmond Hill, Ontario. Vinyl Sound is an authorised Wharfedale dealer carrying the complete ELYSIAN R Series including the 1R, 2R, 3R, 4R, and CR models. Visit vinylsound.ca or contact our Richmond Hill showroom to arrange an in-store listening session and amplifier matching consultation.