Wharfedale ELYSIAN 2R Three-Way Standmount Speaker at Vinyl Sound Toronto Canada

The Wharfedale ELYSIAN 2R is the reference three-way standmount loudspeaker in the ELYSIAN R Series flagship range from Wharfedale (Huntingdon, UK), available at Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada. Occupying a unique position in the high-end loudspeaker market as a full-range three-way standmount with genuine large-speaker scale and authority, the ELYSIAN 2R combines an 8.5" coated glass fibre matrix bass driver, a dedicated 6" coated glass fibre matrix midrange driver, and the further-developed 27 x 90mm AMT high-frequency driver with updated ultra-light PET diaphragm and acoustically damped rear chamber. With 89dB sensitivity and a frequency response of 35Hz to 22kHz with bass extension to 28Hz at -6dB, the ELYSIAN 2R delivers low-frequency performance that surpasses many floorstanders from a standmount format.

True Three-Way Architecture and Dedicated Midrange Driver

The ELYSIAN 2R's most significant advantage over the ELYSIAN 1R and most competing standmount loudspeakers is its dedicated 6" coated glass fibre matrix midrange driver, covering 360Hz to 2.9kHz while the 8.5" bass driver handles only frequencies below 360Hz and the AMT tweeter handles only frequencies above 2.9kHz. In a two-way design, a single bass/mid driver must reproduce both bass frequencies requiring large cone excursion and midrange frequencies where the human ear is most sensitive to distortion and colouration — a compromise that no single driver can resolve perfectly. The ELYSIAN 2R's dedicated 6" midrange driver operates with minimal excursion throughout the vocal and instrumental midrange band, delivering the outstanding vocal clarity, natural body, texture, and focus that Wharfedale specifically attributes to this three-way architecture. The Generation R crossover reworks phase integration between all three drivers through direct-path PCBs with premium component selection, ensuring the acoustic outputs of bass, midrange, and AMT tweeter combine coherently at the listening position.

8.5" Bass Driver, SLPP Port, and 28Hz Bass Extension

The ELYSIAN 2R's 8.5" coated glass fibre matrix bass driver delivers low-frequency performance and dynamic authority from dual cabinet volumes of 17.5 litres and 43.6 litres in a 30.5kg per speaker construction. The larger bass driver format compared to the ELYSIAN 1R's 7" unit provides greater cone area for bass output at equivalent excursion, delivering the depth, weight, and articulation that Wharfedale describes as beyond conventional compact loudspeaker expectations. Wharfedale's SLPP Slot-Loaded Profiled Port enhances bass extension, reduces turbulence noise at high output levels, and contributes to the 28Hz bass extension at -6dB — a figure normally associated with medium to large floorstanders rather than standmount designs. At 700mm tall on its plinth and 334mm wide, the ELYSIAN 2R benefits from the matching high-carbon-steel stands for optimal driver height at the listening position, sold separately. The 89dB sensitivity, 4 ohm nominal impedance, and 25 to 250W recommended amplifier power make the ELYSIAN 2R suited to high-power amplifiers including the Accuphase A-48S, E-800S, Hegel H390, Hegel H590, and NAD M33 available at Vinyl Sound Toronto.

Key Features

• True Three-Way Design: Dedicated bass, midrange, and AMT tweeter drivers each operating within their optimum frequency range — bass below 360Hz, midrange 360Hz to 2.9kHz, AMT above 2.9kHz — for the openness, control, and dynamic ease normally associated with larger loudspeakers.
• 8.5" Coated Glass Fibre Matrix Bass Driver: Large-format bass driver for depth, weight, and articulation in the low frequencies, contributing to the 28Hz bass extension at -6dB.
• Dedicated 6" Coated Glass Fibre Matrix Midrange Driver: Purpose-designed midrange unit operating with minimal excursion across vocal and instrumental frequencies for outstanding clarity, natural body, and minimal colouration.
• Further-Developed 27 x 90mm AMT Tweeter: Updated ultra-light PET pleated diaphragm with acoustically damped rear chamber for improved resolution, transient accuracy, and effortless high-frequency extension above 2.9kHz.
• Generation R Crossover at 360Hz and 2.9kHz: High-silicon-iron-cored coils for bass, air-core coils for midrange and treble, Super Audiophile polypropylene capacitors, low-inductance resistors, and direct-path PCBs for clean signal routing and accurate phase integration.
• 35Hz to 22kHz Frequency Response (±3dB), 28Hz Extension (-6dB): Full-range standmount bandwidth exceeding the bass extension of many floorstanders.
• SLPP Bass Management: Slot-Loaded Profiled Port for turbulence reduction, enhanced bass extension, and reduced placement sensitivity.
• 109dB Peak SPL: High dynamic headroom for large-scale musical reproduction at realistic listening levels.
• Matching Stands Available: High-carbon-steel tube construction with top plates and hardened base spikes, sold separately.
• 3-Year Warranty: Wharfedale 3-year manufacturer warranty.

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Wharfedale ELYSIAN 2R?

The Wharfedale ELYSIAN 2R is the reference three-way standmount loudspeaker in the ELYSIAN R Series from Wharfedale, Huntingdon, UK. It uses an 8.5" coated glass fibre matrix bass driver, dedicated 6" midrange driver, and further-developed 27 x 90mm AMT tweeter with Generation R crossover at 360Hz and 2.9kHz, delivering 35Hz to 22kHz frequency response with 28Hz bass extension, 89dB sensitivity, and 109dB peak SPL, in Walnut High Gloss, Matte Black, or Lunar Grey finishes.

How does the ELYSIAN 2R compare to the ELYSIAN 1R and ELYSIAN 3R?

The ELYSIAN 2R advances over the ELYSIAN 1R through its three-way driver array with a dedicated 6" midrange driver and larger 8.5" bass driver, providing dedicated midrange clarity and bass extension to 28Hz versus the 1R's 44Hz. The 2R's 30.5kg construction versus the 1R's 15kg reflects the substantially larger cabinet and driver complement. The ELYSIAN 3R steps up to a self-supporting floorstanding format with dual 7" bass drivers for greater bass output and dynamic scale in larger rooms. The ELYSIAN 2R on matching stands delivers near-floorstander bass extension in a standmount format.

Why does a three-way design provide better midrange performance than two-way?

In a two-way design, a single bass/mid driver must simultaneously reproduce bass frequencies requiring large cone excursion and midrange frequencies where distortion caused by that excursion is most audible to the human ear. The ELYSIAN 2R's dedicated 6" midrange driver covers only the 360Hz to 2.9kHz band where voices and the fundamental frequencies of most musical instruments are concentrated, operating with minimal excursion for maximum linearity and minimum distortion. The result is the outstanding vocal clarity, natural body, and texture that Wharfedale specifically attributes to the ELYSIAN 2R's three-way architecture.

What amplifiers pair best with the ELYSIAN 2R?

The ELYSIAN 2R's 4 ohm nominal impedance and 3.6 ohm minimum, combined with 89dB sensitivity and 25 to 250W amplifier recommendation, are best served by amplifiers with stable 4 ohm output performance and sufficient power for the speaker's dynamic capability. Amplifiers available at Vinyl Sound Toronto well suited to the ELYSIAN 2R include the Accuphase E-800S and E-5000, Hegel H390 and H590, NAD M33, Parasound Halo A21+, and Leben CS-600X. Vinyl Sound's audio specialists in Richmond Hill, Ontario can advise on optimal pairings based on room size and listening preferences.

Does the ELYSIAN 2R need dedicated stands?

Yes. The ELYSIAN 2R requires dedicated stands for correct driver height and optimal acoustic performance at the listening position. Wharfedale's matching ELYSIAN 2R stands use high-carbon-steel tube construction with high-carbon-steel top plates and hardened base spikes, providing both the mechanical stability the 30.5kg per speaker ELYSIAN 2R requires and the acoustic isolation from floor-borne vibration that optimizes imaging and bass clarity. The stands are sold separately and are available through Vinyl Sound Toronto.

Where can I buy the Wharfedale ELYSIAN 2R in Toronto or Canada?

The Wharfedale ELYSIAN 2R Three-Way 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.