Wharfedale Elysian 3From real comments

Name: Wharfedale Elysian 3
Rating: 3.2 (11 reviews)

Verdict distilled from 11 mentions across 9 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment64%

PROS 64%

CONS 36%

Rank based on 11 mentions across 9 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

You want detailed, non-sibilant highs from the AMT tweeter and excellent vocal reproduction, especially for home theater
You have room to pull the speakers away from walls for proper placement
You're looking for Wharfedale's warm house sound and value compared with pricier speakers

What users love

Good Value for the Money0 mentions

Widely praised

Warm, Detailed Wharfedale Sound0 mentions

Widely praised

Excellent Vocal Reproduction0 mentions

Strongly positive

Lively, Sibilance-Free Highs0 mentions

Widely praised

Room-Friendly Size vs Elysian 40 mentions

Widely praised

Skip this if...

Your listening room forces the speakers close to a wall, since they dislike boundary placement
You prioritize pure musicality over home-theater vocals, as one owner found long-term listening a bit boring
You expect a fully inert cabinet at this price point

What users complain about

Sensitive to Wall Placement0 mentions

Frequently criticized

Cabinet Not Fully Inert0 mentions

Generally negative

Can Feel Boring for Pure Music Listening0 mentions

Frequently criticized

Placement-Critical Setup0 mentions

Generally negative

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choice

1Premium

Klipsch Cornwall IV

Emotionally engaging, 'forever speaker' soundBig, effortless dynamicsRefined, clean bass and midrange after break-inQuestionable build quality for the priceHigh price relative to componentsLarge size and placement demands

Klipsch Cornwall IV

Emotionally engaging, 'forever speaker' sound

Big, effortless dynamics

Refined, clean bass and midrange after break-in

Questionable build quality for the price

High price relative to components

Large size and placement demands

Best value

2Premium

Wharfedale Elysian 4

Effortless, immersive 'wall of sound'Beautiful build and finishDeep, tight bassHigh price relative to budgetPlacement-sensitive, dislikes wallsCan feel 'boring' to some listeners

Wharfedale Elysian 4

Effortless, immersive 'wall of sound'

Beautiful build and finish

Deep, tight bass

High price relative to budget

Placement-sensitive, dislikes walls

Can feel 'boring' to some listeners

3Mid

Martin Logan Foundation

AMT tweeter detail and clarityAttractive styling and finishGood value versus pricier alternativesLimited deep bass extensionConfusing/overlapping product line pricingNarrowed dispersion versus older Motion-series speakers

Martin Logan Foundation

AMT tweeter detail and clarity

Attractive styling and finish

Good value versus pricier alternatives

Limited deep bass extension

Confusing/overlapping product line pricing

Narrowed dispersion versus older Motion-series speakers

4Premium

Focal Scala Utopia

Airy, detailed soundEnd-game musicalityStriking design and finishBright or thin midrange for someHigh price relative to sound for someOutperformed by some rivals in specific traits

Focal Scala Utopia

Airy, detailed sound

End-game musicality

Striking design and finish

Bright or thin midrange for some

High price relative to sound for some

Outperformed by some rivals in specific traits

5Premium

Focal Aria 936

Smooth, non-fatiguing trebleTight, defined bassAttractive appearanceRising, questionable pricingCheap-feeling build detailsRequires lengthy break-in

Focal Aria 936

Smooth, non-fatiguing treble

Tight, defined bass

Attractive appearance

Rising, questionable pricing

Cheap-feeling build details

Requires lengthy break-in

6Budget

Polk Audio T50

Excellent value for moneyImproves with placement tweaks and break-inStrong bass for the sizeRequires break-in and careful setup to sound bestTreble can be hot on some systemsCan be too much bass for small spaces

Polk Audio T50

Excellent value for money

Improves with placement tweaks and break-in

Strong bass for the size

Requires break-in and careful setup to sound best

Treble can be hot on some systems

Can be too much bass for small spaces

7Premium

Polk Audio RTi A9

Dramatically improves with separate power ampHigh power handling and bass outputAccurate, high-quality soundRequires significant amp investmentBi-amping benefit debatedSensitive to placement

Polk Audio RTi A9

Dramatically improves with separate power amp

High power handling and bass output

Accurate, high-quality sound

Requires significant amp investment

Bi-amping benefit debated

Sensitive to placement

8Premium

Martin Logan ElectroMotion ESL

Transparent, airy soundDetailed, lifelike instrument reproductionLong-term durability and satisfactionRequires careful setup and room treatmentHigh price for the formatLimited bass extension

Martin Logan ElectroMotion ESL

Transparent, airy sound

Detailed, lifelike instrument reproduction

Long-term durability and satisfaction

Requires careful setup and room treatment

High price for the format

Limited bass extension

9Premium

Klipsch Klipschorn AK6

Life-changing, room-filling dynamics

Klipsch Klipschorn AK6

Life-changing, room-filling dynamics

10Budget

Wharfedale Diamond 12.3

Precise, punchy bassStrong value for priceBalanced, warm British sound signatureRoom-dependent bass bumpSensitive to cables and positioningBasic spiked feet

Wharfedale Diamond 12.3

Precise, punchy bass

Strong value for price

Balanced, warm British sound signature

Room-dependent bass bump

Sensitive to cables and positioning

Basic spiked feet

You are here

31Premium

Wharfedale Elysian 3

Good Value for the MoneyWarm, Detailed Wharfedale SoundExcellent Vocal ReproductionCabinet Not Fully InertCan Feel Boring for Pure Music ListeningPlacement-Critical Setup

Wharfedale Elysian 3

Good Value for the Money

Warm, Detailed Wharfedale Sound

Excellent Vocal Reproduction

Cabinet Not Fully Inert

Can Feel Boring for Pure Music Listening

Placement-Critical Setup

Great value
1. Polk Audio T50arrow_upward10
2. Wharfedale Diamond 12.3arrow_upward4
Wide soundstage
1. Martin Logan ElectroMotion ESLarrow_upward3
2. Polk Audio T50arrow_upward3
3. Wharfedale Diamond 12.3arrow_upward2
Build quality
1. Wharfedale Elysian 4arrow_upward5
2. Wharfedale Diamond 12.3arrow_upward2
Deep bass
1. Wharfedale Elysian 4arrow_upward4
2. Focal Scala Utopiaarrow_upward3
Expensive
1. Focal Aria 936arrow_downward3
2. Focal Scala Utopiaarrow_downward3
High price
1. Wharfedale Elysian 4arrow_downward2
2. Klipsch Cornwall IVarrow_downward4

Overall Impression

Vocals and home-theater performance stand out. One owner lived with the Elysian 3 for six weeks in a medium-sized room and found the vocals delivered by the AMT tweeter and Scan-Speak midrange driver second to none, calling the speaker's home-theater performance amazing. They noted the cabinet is large, though not quite as inert as expected. Despite enjoying the vocal clarity, the same listener eventually felt the speakers could sound a bit boring for pure music listening and preferred another reference speaker for spreading sound around the room.

The AMT tweeter delivers lively, sibilance-free highs. Another commenter familiar with the Elysian line described the AMT tweeter's lively top end as a highlight, delivering the Wharfedale house sound's characteristic warmth without the sibilance issues some AMT implementations suffer from. They felt the speakers held their own against higher-priced rivals mentioned in the review, praising overall performance for the money. However, they stressed that, as with Wharfedale's Evo line, correct placement is essential to unlocking the speaker's best performance and letting it disappear into the room.

Placement is critical, and the sound can feel boring for pure music over time. Listeners agree these speakers dislike being placed near walls and need breathing room to sound their best; one owner ultimately pushed them back against a wall after weeks of experimenting. Another noted the Elysian 3 is a more room-friendly package than the bigger Elysian 4, calling it a very good buy for the money. Together the comments suggest the Elysian 3 rewards patient setup but can disappoint listeners chasing an effortlessly musical, fill-the-room presentation without careful positioning.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?

attach_moneyGood Value for the Money

2 mentions

Widely praised

Multiple commenters felt the Elysian offered strong monetary value, with one calling the Elysian 3 a very good buy and another praising Wharfedale's overall value in the audio market.

@gregorytrane7828

I've been an audiophile for decades and am now 77 years of age. I have started this pursuit since I was 22 years of age. I can honestly say some manufacturers will fix what isn't broke and over engineer newer models that actually sound worse than some previous models. And to your point about high end companies requiring too many stipulations to acquire their ideal sound, does sound like B.S. to me as well and also shows an over reach. Wharfedale to me offers one of the best sounds in the audio business bar none. They also offer good monetary value. I have expensive equipment and am considering purchasing from Wharfedale because their sound exemplifies the characteristics that I gravitate to, when listening to all kinds of different music. Good review.

smart_display

November 2, 2023

@simongrove3276

Nice honest video as always, you covered this speaker very well. I have the Elysian 4's and use a Felixs Audio Arioso 300B, 8 watt amplifier and have no trouble driving the Elysian 4's with a low powered SET amplifier. I have not noticed them being forward or modern sounding, maybe that's because of the 300B SET, either way, they are a great speaker and I agree with your comments about the mids and upper frequencies, however on the 4's the base is very tight and deep too. I think the 3's are very similar when I heard them in a much more room friendly package and agree they are a very good buy for the money. Quality is second to none, don't care where it is made as long as it is made well, those complaining about foreign products, need to look at quality and costs in their own country. Might have been a good idea to show the other colour options, some one said these were ugly, I hate to think what they think of as beautiful then, to my eyes these are wonder full, mine are the Walnut finish which is just glorious. Please keep producing your great reviews.

smart_display

October 2, 2023

music_noteWarm, Detailed Wharfedale Sound

2 mentions

Widely praised

Comments described the familiar Wharfedale warmth and a musical, believable presentation, echoing the brand's philosophy that instruments should sound like they're really in the room.

@EsotericArctos

Given the price of these speakers, you'd hope the were above the other speakers you mentioned. That said, I have heard the Elysian's and they really hold their own and are better, in my opinion, than a lot of speakers at higher price points. They still have that Wharfedale sound that I enjoy, a bit of warnth there, but they also have that lively top end that the AMT Tweeter brings, just without the siibilance issues that some AMT implementations show.\nI think, similar to the EVO's, placement is really key with these. They can disappear into the room with the right placement.

smart_display

July 24, 2024

@RichZidel

Thanks for a great review Thomas. Full disclosure, I am the Wharfedale rep for Canada. I would simply like to compliment the review style, much as I did for the interview that you did. When speaking to dealers and the public alike, I always point out that there is no right and wrong in audio, as it is perception based. Different people hear and like different things. More bass, less bass, smooth or hyper detailed, these things are easy to change, but to your point, making applause sound like real clapping, or causing you to think that the entire orchestra is in your room and not the speakers, that is more difficult. When the instrument sounds like an actual instrument being played in your room, you know that you have found something special. Sometimes boring is the most exciting thing a speaker can be, if that means it just plays music that sound like, well...music. Thanks again.

smart_display

October 14, 2020

micExcellent Vocal Reproduction

1 mentions

Strongly positive

One owner found that the AMT tweeter and Scan-Speak midrange gave vocals that were second to none, calling the home-theater performance amazing over a six-week trial.

@katie_0258

Good review, I had those for 6 weeks, medium sized room, but big sized in volume. For HT it is amazing, the vokals is second to none in these. The hate walls tho, so, keep them away from walls. The cabinet is big, but it isn't as inert as I wanted. I used Kef R11 in same spot and they weren't all that fuzzy about the walls. However, aside from the amazing vokals from AMT and Scan-Speak mid. It isn't all that musical, I know some of you don't like that term. But be aware they can be a bit boring. After 6 weeks I just pushed them back to the wall, put up LS50, and finally music was spreading around the room, mind you, those are my reference atm. And way more musical for me. If you sit on the tip of your chair listening to details in your hifi, I'd say they are in the R11 (original) class. Listening to music, I'd choose R11, but, still the Kef reference 1 is still my favorite. I just wanted to say this, I do think Tharbamar and Thomas also noticed the boring part. Anyway, hope I wasn't too negative.

smart_display

February 16, 2025

graphic_eqLively, Sibilance-Free Highs

1 mentions

Widely praised

A commenter praised the AMT tweeter's lively top end, noting it avoids the sibilance issues some AMT implementations show while retaining the Wharfedale sound's warmth.

@EsotericArctos

smart_display

July 24, 2024

homeRoom-Friendly Size vs Elysian 4

1 mentions

Widely praised

One commenter who had heard both models described the Elysian 3 as a much more room-friendly package than the bigger Elysian 4, while still delivering very similar quality.

@simongrove3276

smart_display

October 2, 2023

warningSensitive to Wall Placement

1 mentions

Frequently criticized

One owner reported that the speakers hate being near walls, requiring them to be pulled well out into the room to sound their best.

@katie_0258

smart_display

February 16, 2025

buildCabinet Not Fully Inert

1 mentions

Generally negative

Despite the large cabinet, one owner felt it wasn't as inert as they wanted, a subtle build quality concern compared to another speaker tried in the same spot.

@katie_0258

smart_display

February 16, 2025

sentiment_dissatisfiedCan Feel Boring for Pure Music Listening

1 mentions

Frequently criticized

After six weeks, one listener found the speakers 'not all that musical' and a bit boring for pure music sessions, eventually preferring a different reference speaker for that purpose.

@katie_0258

smart_display

February 16, 2025

tunePlacement-Critical Setup

1 mentions

Generally negative

A commenter noted that, like Wharfedale's Evo line, correct placement is essential to unlocking the speaker's best performance, meaning careless setup can undersell the sound.

@EsotericArctos

smart_display

July 24, 2024

Wharfedale Elysian 3chat_bubble_outlineFrom real comments

thumb_up_off_altBuy this if...

What users lovefavorite_border

thumb_down_off_altSkip this if...

What users complain aboutheart_broken

Compare in seconds

Who wins on what

Great value

Wide soundstage

Build quality

Deep bass

Expensive

High price

auto_awesomeOverall Impression

Wharfedale Elysian 3From real comments

Buy this if...

What users love

Skip this if...

What users complain about

Overall Impression