In this review, we will be comparing two different types of speakers by Wharfedale. Wharfedale Elysian 1 is a Bookshelf speaker whereas the Elysian 3 R is a Floor-standing speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Wharfedale Elysian 1 and Wharfedale Elysian 3 R first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | Wharfedale Elysian 1 | Wharfedale Elysian 3 R |
|---|
| Brand | Wharfedale
United Kingdom · founded 1932 | Wharfedale
United Kingdom · founded 1932 |
|---|
| Design | 2-way | 3-way |
|---|
| Tweeter | 27x90mm" AMT (Ribbon) | 3.5" AMT |
|---|
| Midrange | — | 6" |
|---|
| Woofer | 7" Coated Fiberglass | 2 x 7" |
|---|
| Frequency response | 49-22k Hz | 44-22k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 89 dB | 89 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 4 ohms | 4 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | 25-175 watts | — |
|---|
| Weight | 15.03kg / 33.1lbs | 28.44kg / 62.6lbs |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 18-24" x 10-3/8" x 12-7/16"
458.0 x 264.0 x 316.0mm | 41-5/16" x 10-7/16" x 12-7/16"
1049.3 x 265.1 x 315.9mm |
|---|
Elysian 1 and Elysian 3 R are members of Wharfedale's Elysian series of speakers. Below you can find the loudspeakers from this series.
Wharfedale Elysian Series
History
The sections below take each area in turn: drivers, frequency response, physical size and what you get in the box.
Drivers
One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that Elysian 1 is a 2-way design whereas the Elysian 3 R is a 3-way speaker. 3-way designs utilize a midrange driver in addition to the tweeter and woofer on 2-way designs. Designing a crossover for a 3-way speaker is a complicated process and generally increases the overall cost of the speaker.
Wharfedale Elysian 1Wharfedale Elysian 3 R
TweeterMidrangeWoofer
Front view, drawn to scale - cabinets and drivers share one scale, so sizes are directly comparable. Hover a driver for its size.
| Driver |
Wharfedale Elysian 1 |
Wharfedale Elysian 3 R |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
27x90mm-inch
|
3.5-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
1 x 6-inch |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 7-inch
|
2 x 7-inch
|
Elysian 1 features a 27x90mm" AMT (Ribbon) Tweeter and 1 x 7" Coated Fiberglass Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2500Hz. On the other hand, the Elysian 3 R features a 3.5" AMT Tweeter, a 6" Midrange and 2 x 7" Woofer.
Frequency Response
Elysian 1 has a frequency range of 49-22k Hz whereas Elysian 3 R has a frequency range of 44-22k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 44Hz, the Elysian 3 R can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Elysian 1's min frequency of 49Hz.
The graph below depicts how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average Low Frequency values of other speakers in the Bookshelf class in our database.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Neither pair reaches down to 20Hz, the usual definition of full-range, which is normal for speakers of this size. If you want the bottom octave for movies or bass-heavy music, add a subwoofer to whichever you choose. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
Elysian 1 and Elysian 3 R have the same Impedance of 4 ohms and their sensitivity is also same at 89 dB.
One thing to keep in mind that the lower impedance speakers, especially the ones that are rated at 4 ohms may put more pressure on the amplifier unit comared to higher impedance speakers especially at high volume levels, so make sure the amp you pair with the Elysian 1 and the Elysian 1 can provide this impedance level.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
Which plays louder on your amplifier?
Starting with a popular amplifier - change it to the one you own, or any you are
considering, and watch both numbers move.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
Elysian 1 features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. Elysian 3 R has a Binding post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Wharfedale Elysian 1's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Physical Specs
The size of a speaker can sometimes be an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare Wharfedale Elysian 1's and Wharfedale Elysian 3 R's external dimensions. Wharfedale Elysian 1 has external dimensions of 458.0 x 264.0 x 316.0mm (18-24 x 10-3/8 x 12-7/16inch) whereas Wharfedale Elysian 3 R has external dimensions of 1049.3 x 265.1 x 315.9mm ().
Wharfedale Elysian 1 is 1.1mm narrower and 591.3mm shorter than Wharfedale Elysian 3 R but it is also 0.10000000000002mm deeper.
Size, drawn to scale
Both speakers and both views share one scale, so everything here is directly comparable. Hover a box for its dimensions.
One scale for both, standing on the same surface and pushed back to the same wall, so the deeper one visibly sticks out further.
Near-identical footprints. Wharfedale Elysian 3 R is 591mm taller.
Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base surface area of the Wharfedale Elysian 1 is approximately 834.2cm2 / 129.3inch2 and base area of the Wharfedale Elysian 3 R is approximately 837.5cm2 / 129.8inch2. The Elysian 1 requires 0% less surface area than the Elysian 3 R which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
What's in the Box of Wharfedale Elysian 1?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Elysian 1:
- 2 Stand-mount loudspeakers
- 2 Grilles
- 4 Terminal-jumpers (pre-installed)
- User Manual