The Elysian series results from the most ambitious research and development project in Wharfedale’s storied 90-year history. The design team took on the goal of retaining all that audiophiles have admired about the “British sound,” such as warmth, intimacy, freedom from listening fatigue, and uncoloured response. Simultaneously, they sought to improve those qualities that audiophiles of today value, such as fine detail retrieval, spacious, three-dimensional imaging, and freedom from enclosure-induced colourations. On top of that, the design brief noted that they need to be beautiful and finely finished enough to be worthy of placement in the finest homes and galleries.

AMT Tweeter

The Air Motion Transformer (AMT) tweeter utilised in the EVO4 range is a radically different method to move air than a conventional dome tweeter. A large, pleated lightweight diaphragm is driven across its surface by rows of strategically placed magnets. Not only is this an efficient way of moving air, but it is also very accurate as the extremely low-mass diaphragm is under close control of the motor system at all times. The result is a wide bandwidth transducer that achieves low distortion and delivers exceptional musical detail without being “bright,” harsh, and fatiguing.

ELYSIAN Midrange

Determined to match the sensitivity and accuracy of the AMT, the Wharfedale design team chose a unique woven glass fibre matrix cone with an ideal combination of low mass and strength. A high plasticity coat provides damping to suppress high-frequency resonance. A specially shaped central phase plug linearises the output across a wide bandwidth, even well off-axis for exceptionally natural sound throughout the room. With Elysian, you will hear astonishingly realistic reproduction of voices and instruments. Vocalists and musicians appear to be present in the room with you. Close your eyes and listen to the palpable presence of the performance in your listening room.

The woofer cones are the same low mass yet stiff woven glass fibre matrix as the midrange driver. The most advanced version of Wharfedale’s unique port system – the Slot Loaded Profiled Port (SLPP) – vents the woofers. As with all other bass port designs, the woofer’s rear radiation is not wasted but vented into the room. But that is where the similarities end.