KEF first introduced its 12th generation Uni-Q driver array with Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) in the LS50 Meta Bookshelf Loudspeakers in 2020. Since then KEF’s innovative coaxial driver has been making its way through their speaker line-up, which includes Blade and Reference, LS60, Ci250RRM-THX, and R Meta Series.
KEF’s flagship architectural speakers from its Ci-Reference Extreme Series have been updated with 12th generation technology. The new Ci5160REFM-THX and Ci3160REFM-THX in-wall speakers have arrived at a rather steep price; $11K and $8K each, respectively. They replace the Ci5160REF-THX and Ci3160REF-THX, which have almost the same model name, but without the “M”.
Tip: Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) claims to deliver more natural sounding treble.
THX Certification
Just as with its previously announced in-wall Ci250RRM speaker and Ci250RRb in-wall Subwoofer, the new architectural speakers are also THX Certified with the Ci5160REFM carrying the THX Dominus and the Ci3160REFM carrying the THX Ultra designations.
![THX Certification Categories THX Certified Performance Classes](https://cdn.ecoustics.com/db0/wblob/17BA35E873D594/2A06/42892/7qHXBDa97r-YC-urWtHWYlIwQB2gjjPSMIewb5Gd51E/thx-performance-classes.jpg)
![THX Certification Process THX Certification Process](https://cdn.ecoustics.com/db0/wblob/17BA35E873D594/28BD/420EE/5-9lAb0mNM1wl6Uz-SgYUXzuOXBGQ4V31kK0H3cd9fk/thx-certification-process.jpg)
- THX Dominus Certification means that the speaker is optimized for rooms as large as 6,500 cubic feet, and up to a 20-foot viewing distance from the screen.
- THX Ultra Certification means that the speaker is optimized for rooms up to 3,000 cubic feet and a 12-foot viewing distance from the screen.
Common Features
![KEF Ci5160REFM-THX and Ci3160REFM-THX Speakers Lifestyle Living Room KEF Ci5160REFM-THX 12th Generation Uni-Q Driver with MAT](https://cdn.ecoustics.com/db0/wblob/17BA35E873D594/2F31/44365/Z_go0Tb9wMSV6UGad0d4WU_qdOOyeOmpxegpQqnyYXs/kef-ci5160refm-thx-uni-q.jpg)
To provide optimal sound quality, these two speakers also incorporate the following KEF Technologies and Features.
- Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT): This removes 99% of high-frequency distortion for pure, natural sound.
- 12th generation Uni-Q and Shadow Flare Surface: Improves acoustic accuracy.
- Paintable Magnetic Grill: More than just being decorative, the provided grills provide a balance between driver protection, sonic performance, and aesthetics. Optional cloth grill available.
- Impedance: The speakers have a 4-ohm impedance.
- Finish: Aluminum Black/Grey.
Tip: Both speakers can be used vertically as left, right, or surround speakers, or horizontally as a center channel speaker.
Ci5160REFM-THX
![KEF CI5i60REFM-THX Speaker KEF Ci5160REFM-THX In-Wall Speaker](https://cdn.ecoustics.com/db0/wblob/17BA35E873D594/2F31/44366/h4uLuWrDLM54B0HlXgR0zN0ucNlXkXZcIk7VuknXCzI/kef-ci5160refm-thx-uni-q-cu-front.jpg)
In addition to the features listed above, The Ci5160REFM-THX is KEF’s first THX Dominus Certified in-wall speaker. This speaker incorporates four 6.5-inch bass drivers for optimized bass performance for in-wall setups. The speaker also features an 11mm thick machined aluminum baffle to limit unwanted vibration.
Ci3160REFM-THX
![KEF Ci3160REFM-THX Speaker KEF Ci3160REFM-THX In-Wall Speaker](https://cdn.ecoustics.com/db0/wblob/17BA35E873D594/2F31/44367/VLhUmDut-FGI3JYf5-INRASGRPJJ32iqMW6OQKUGPZ0/kef-ci3160refm-thx-cu-front.jpg)
As mentioned previously, the Ci3160REFM-THX in-wall speaker is THX Ultra Certified. It is more compact than the Ci5160REFM-THX as it incorporates two 6.5-inch bass drivers rather than four for bass performance. KEF does not mention if this speaker also includes an 11mm thick baffle.
Comparison
Speaker Model | Ci5160REFM-THX | Ci3160REFM-THX |
MSRP | $10,999 each | $7,999 each |
Series | Ci-Reference | Ci-Reference |
THX Certification | THX Dominus | THX Ultra |
Speaker Configuration | 3-way | 3-way |
Nominal Impedance | 4 ohms | 4 ohms |
Sensitivity (2.83V/1m) | 92dB | 89dB |
Frequency Response (+/- 6dB) Open-back | 40Hz to 28kHz | 40Hz to 28kHz |
Frequency Range (-10 dB) | 32Hz to 45Hz | 32Hz to 45Hz |
Nominal Coverage | 150 degrees | 150 degrees |
MAX SPL (dB) | 116 dB | 110 dB |
Crossover Frequency | 600Hz, 3kHz | 600Hz, 3kHz |
LF Driver | 4 x 160mm (6.5 inches) | 2 x 160mm (6.5 inches) |
MF Driver (Uni-Q) | 1 x 125 mm (5.25-inches) | 1 x 125 mm (5.25-inches) |
HF Driver (Vented Aluminum Dome Tweeter with MAT) | 1 x 25mm (1-inch) | 1 x 25mm (1-inch) |
Recommended Amp Power | 50 to 500 watts | 50 to 350 watts |
Recommend Hi-Pass Filter | 35 to 80Hz | 35 to 80Hz |
External Dimensions (HWD) | 1070 x 230 x 105.7 mm (42.13 x 9.06 x 4.16-inches) | 680 x 230 x 105.7 mm(26.77 x 9.06 x 4.16 inches) |
Cutout Dimensions (HW) | 1052 x 209 mm (41.42 x 8.23-inches) | 660 x 209 mm (25.98 x 8.23 inches) |
Net Weight | 21.7 kg (47.8 lbs) | 13.6 kg (29.92 lbs) |
Mounting Depth From Surface | 99 mm (3.9 inches) | 99 mm (3.9 inches) |
Optional Rough in Frame | RIF5160L | RIF3160L |
Ideal Rear Volume | 90 Liters | 60 Liters |
Maximum Rear Volume | 40 Liters | 30 Liters |
Wall Thickness Maximum | 40 mm (1.58-inches) | 40 mm (1.58-inches) |
Wall Thickness Minimum | 6mm (0.24 inches) | 6mm (0.24 inches) |
![KEF Ci5160REFM-THX and Ci3160REFM-THX in-wall LCR speaker system lifestyle](https://cdn.ecoustics.com/db0/wblob/17BA35E873D594/2F31/44364/L___NrGlpsihE3Jht88cyprmWoNOpNT7_E9zgZMF7gA/kef-ci5160refm-thx-ci3160rem-thx-living-room.jpg)
Competition
KEF isn’t the only company with a THX Dominus Certified In-Wall Speaker. Perlisten has 8 architectural speakers that are THX Dominus Certified. Although, Focal doesn’t offer THX certification, their flagship 1000 Series In-Wall Speakers with Beryllium tweeters are sure to please a lot of audiophiles.
Related Reading: Theory Audio Design 5.2.2 Surround Sound System Review
Prices & Availability
- The KEF Ci5160REFM-THX is priced $10,999.99 each
- The KEF Ci3160REFM-THX is priced $7,999.99 each.
For more information: us.kef.com
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