In this review, we will be comparing two different types of speakers by Wharfedale. Wharfedale Elysian 3 R is a Floor-standing speaker whereas the Elysian 2 is a Bookshelf speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Wharfedale Elysian 3 R and Wharfedale Elysian 2 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | Wharfedale Elysian 3 R | Wharfedale Elysian 2 |
|---|
| Brand | Wharfedale
United Kingdom · founded 1932 | Wharfedale
United Kingdom · founded 1932 |
|---|
| Design | 3-way | 3-way |
|---|
| Tweeter | 3.5" AMT | 27x90mm" AMT (Ribbon) |
|---|
| Midrange | 6" | 6" |
|---|
| Woofer | 2 x 7" | 8.5" Coated Fiberglass |
|---|
| Frequency response | 44-22k Hz | 35-22k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 89 dB | 89 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 4 ohms | 4 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | — | 25-250 watts |
|---|
| Weight | 28.44kg / 62.6lbs | 30.50kg / 67.1lbs |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 41-5/16" x 10-7/16" x 12-7/16"
1049.3 x 265.1 x 315.9mm | 27.5" x 13.1" x 18.1"
700.0 x 334.0 x 462.0mm |
|---|
Elysian 3 R and Elysian 2 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
Both Elysian 3 R and Elysian 2 are 3-way speakers.
Wharfedale Elysian 3 RWharfedale Elysian 2
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 3 R |
Wharfedale Elysian 2 |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
3.5-inch
|
27x90mm-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
1 x 6-inch |
1 x 6-inch |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 7-inch
|
1 x 8.5-inch
|
Elysian 3 R features a 3.5" AMT Tweeter, a 6" Midrange and 2 x 7" Woofer. On the other hand, the Elysian 2 features a 27x90mm" AMT (Ribbon) Tweeter, a 6" Midrange and 1 x 8.5" Coated Fiberglass Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 360Hz and 2900Hz.
Frequency Response
Elysian 3 R has a frequency range of 44-22k Hz whereas Elysian 2 has a frequency range of 35-22k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 35Hz, the Elysian 2 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Elysian 3 R's min frequency of 44Hz.
The graph below depicts how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average Low Frequency values of other speakers in the Floor-standing class in our database.
Low Frequency
Floor-standing 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 3 R and Elysian 2 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 3 R and the Elysian 3 R can provide this impedance level.
Sensitivity
Floor-standing 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 2 features 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 2's 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 3 R's and Wharfedale Elysian 2's external dimensions. Wharfedale Elysian 3 R has external dimensions of 1049.3 x 265.1 x 315.9mm () whereas Wharfedale Elysian 2 has external dimensions of 700.0 x 334.0 x 462.0mm (27.5 x 13.1 x 18.1inch).
Wharfedale Elysian 3 R is 68.9mm narrower and 146.1mm less deeper than Wharfedale Elysian 2 but it is also 349.3mm taller.
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.
Wharfedale Elysian 2 needs about 84% more floor or shelf area. Wharfedale Elysian 2 is 146mm deeper, so it stands that much further out from the wall. Wharfedale Elysian 3 R is 349mm 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 3 R is approximately 837.5cm2 / 129.8inch2 and base area of the Wharfedale Elysian 2 is approximately 1543.1cm2 / 239.2inch2. The Elysian 3 R requires 46% less surface area than the Elysian 2 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
What's in the Box of Wharfedale Elysian 2?
Here are the items that come with the Elysian 2:
- Stand-mount loudspeaker
- Grille
- 2 Terminal-jumpers (pre-installed)
- User Manual