The Wharfedale Elysian 1 is the new compact standmount speaker in the Elysian range from Wharfedale. Dont let its size fool you though, this is a mighty capable speaker and the pinnacle of Wharfedale speaker design. The Piano lacquered cabinets are a stunning piece of design, and with an AMT drive unit, they are carefully tuned to give ultimate transparency and detail. 

Now on Demo in store. Please contact us to arrange a suitable time to audition.  

ELYSIAN AMT

The AMT (Air Motion Transformer) is a radically different way of moving air. A large, pleated, lightweight diaphragm is driven across its surface by rows of strategically placed metallic strips immersed in a strong magnetic field. Under the influence of the musical drive the pleats in the diaphragm contract and expand, squeezing the air between them to form the desired waveform. Not only is this an efficient way of moving air but it is also very accurate as the diaphragm is under close control of the motor system at all times. In addition the AMT is a velocity, rather than pressure, transducer, capable of producing scintillatingly fast transients and dynamics. The result is a wide bandwidth device that achieves low distortion naturally and delivers wonderful musical detail.

ELYSIAN Bass

The bass units are loaded by the most advanced version of the unique Wharfedale Slot Port yet. Christened SLPP (Slot Loaded Profiled Port) the rear output of the bass units is not wasted. Instead the lowest frequency energy is vented to a slot at the base of the speaker, specially profiled to equalize the high internal pressure to the low pressure in the room. Overall system sensitivity is incredibly high, typically more than 92dB output for just 1 watt of input, allowing any amplifier to reveal the full dynamic range of the music fed to it without any strain or limitation. In combination the bass units and SLPP bass reflex system provide the massive foundation on which the rest of the musical performance sits, letting you feel as well as hear the full impact of thunderous low frequency information.

ELYSIAN Crossover

Combining the outputs of the drivers is an advanced computer modeled crossover that has been developed over hundreds of hours of listening tests, fine tuned to make sure that the blend between the drive units is seamless. Of particular note is the phase consistency across the drive unit output, allowing a wide range of seating position and encouraging the power response to be highly linear throughout your listening room. And, of course, we have only used the highest grade, acoustically transparent components throughout the crossover construction, ensuring that you hear all the musical detail with nothing held back. You’ll hear the full body of instruments like cello and bass guitar, without straining to enjoy the complete dynamics of the musical recital. Whether you are listening to solo piano, a full orchestra or a jazz trio or multi-instrument rock performance, ELYSIAN is more than capable of bringing the thrill and excitement of the performance into your listening room.

A proven concept in the form of the award winning ELYSIAN 4 and ELYSIAN 2 models, the ELYSIAN 1 continues with the specially engineered AMT HF driver; a radically different way of moving air, using a large, pleated, lightweight diaphragm driven across its surface by rows of strategically placed metallic strips immersed in a strong magnetic field. The pleats in the diaphragm contract and expand under the influence of the musical drive, squeezing the air between them to form the desired waveform. Featuring an ultra-lightweight diaphragm material called ‘PET‘ and an acoustically damped rear chamber, the ELYSIAN AMT stands out against comparable high-frequency units by delivering even more spellbindingly clear and sweetly extended high frequencies. 

Operating in a two-way configuration, ELYSIAN 1 is also fitted with a custom, glass fibre matrix cone bass unit. Terminated with a highly flexible rubber surround and driven by a specially developed low-distortion motor system, the 180mm (7”) bass units are capable of reaching down below 49Hz, revealing the full body and impact of percussion, stringed and wind instruments with detail and depth that other standmount speaker options just cannot reach.

The performance of ELYSIAN 1 is enhanced with an advanced version of Wharfedale’s signature slot-loaded port. Christened SLPP (Slot-Loaded Profiled Port), it ensures that the rear output of the bass units is not wasted. Instead, the lowest frequency energy is vented to a slot at the base of the speaker, specially profiled to equalise the high internal pressure to the low pressure in the room. This reduces the distortion that is typical of bass reflex systems and increases the port’s efficiency. In addition, because the air is dispersed uniformly in the room, the speakers are less fussy about placement.

In combination, the bass units and SLPP bass reflex system provide the massive foundation upon which the rest of the musical performance sits, letting you feel as well as hear the full impact of thunderous low-frequency information. High overall system sensitivity allows any amplifier to reveal the full dynamic range of the music fed to it, without strain or limitation.

The drivers’ output is combined via a sophisticated crossover network, fine-tuned over hundreds of hours of listening tests to ensure a seamless blend between the drive units.

Of particular note is the phase consistency across the driver output, permitting a wide range of seating positions and encouraging the power response to be highly linear throughout the listening room. Only the highest grade, acoustically transparent components are used throughout the crossover network, ensuring all the musical detail is heard with nothing held back.

Beautifully finished, the ELYSIAN speaker cabinets are designed to enhance the acoustic output of the drivers and provide a piece of furniture of which the owner can be justly proud. Handcrafted veneers are enhanced by true piano finish lacquers, hand-polished to six levels of depth. This exquisite touch offers a truly standout aesthetic, unmatched at this price-point.

ELYSIAN 1 is truly another audio engineering work of art. The degree of natural transparency will leave you breathless and questioning, how is this possible in this price-class?