Wharfedale Elysian 1 Standmount Speakers

2-way design

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.

Bring the bass

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.

Fine-tuned crossovers

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.

Show-stopping finish

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? Just like its siblings, ELYSIAN 2 and ELYSIAN 4, this latest addition is one for the connoisseur and one for the history books.

Gabi recommends:

This might seem a bit obvious, but you just can't go past the matching Elysian 1 speaker stands when purchasing these speakers.