Wharfedale Elysian 2 Bookshelf Speakers Review: A Symphony of Sound and Luxury

Wharfedale Elysian 2 Bookshelf Speakers Review – step into the world of concert-calibre audio with the Elysian 2. At The Audio Tailor, we’ve put these 3-way standmount marvels through their paces, uncovering their refined tonal balance, lavish piano-lacquer finish, and engineering pedigree. Read on to discover how the Wharfedale Elysian 2 Bookshelf Speakers deliver an audio experience that challenges much larger—and pricier—floorstanders.

Aesthetic Elegance Meets Acoustic Engineering

From the moment you set eyes on the Wharfedale Elysian 2, it’s clear these speakers are crafted to impress. Their precision-machined curves and high-gloss piano-lacquer cabinets (available in Piano Black, Piano Walnut or Piano White) reflect a design ethos where form follows function. The internally braced enclosure, with optimised 17.5 L cabinet volume, minimises resonances and provides a stable platform for the transducers to perform.

Sonic Signature: Precision, Clarity & Depth

The Elysian 2’s 3-way design places a premium on coherent phase alignment and pinpoint imaging. Here’s how the driver complement breaks down:

• High Frequencies: 27×90 mm Air Motion Transformer (AMT) tweeter offers lightning-fast transient response and exceptional detail retrieval in the upper registers.
• Midrange: 150 mm coated fibreglass matrix cone ensures natural vocal clarity and tonal realism, drawing you into every performance.
• Bass: 220 mm coated fibreglass matrix cone with a rear-ported bass reflex design extends down to 28 Hz (–6 dB), delivering authoritative low end without muddiness.

With a sensitivity of 89 dB (2.83 V @ 1 m) and a nominal impedance of 4 Ω, the Elysian 2 works beautifully with amplifiers from 25 W up to a robust 250 W. In our listening sessions, these speakers handled dynamic orchestral crescendos and intimate jazz passages with equally compelling poise. Peak SPL of 109 dB means you can reproduce live-concert levels without strain, while the broad 35 Hz–22 kHz (+/–3 dB) frequency response ensures no musical detail is lost.

Technical Deep Dive

Who Should Consider the Elysian 2?

• Serious audiophiles seeking a compact, high-performance bookshelf speaker that rivals floorstanding models.
• Home theatre enthusiasts craving pinpoint imaging and dynamic headroom for both music and movies.
• Design-conscious listeners who demand speakers that look as exquisite as they sound.
• Upgrade seekers ready to elevate from entry-level stands to professional-grade, studio-worthy monitors.

Pros & Cons

• Pros:
  • Stunning piano-lacquer finishes that enhance any décor.
  • AMT tweeter for airy, extended highs with zero harshness.
  • Robust low end down to 28 Hz without a dedicated subwoofer.
  • Wide dispersion and precise imaging for immersive soundstage.
  • Versatile amplifier compatibility (25 W–250 W).
  • Exceptional value in the luxury-audio segment.
• Cons:
  • At 30.5 kg each, these cabinets benefit from a sturdy stand or platform.
  • True audiophile performance may necessitate high-quality cabling and room treatment.

Your Audiophile Passport to Musical Nirvana

Ready to hear the difference for yourself? The Wharfedale Elysian 2 Bookshelf Speakers redefine expectations in their class, marrying voluptuous aesthetics with peerless audio accuracy. For personalised advice or to discuss your system setup, reach out to our expert team at The Audio Tailor. Call us on 1300 308 711 or email sales@theaudiotailor.com.au. For full specifications and to secure your pair, visit the product page: Wharfedale Elysian 2 Bookshelf Speakers.