Architectural (in-wall/in-ceiling) loudspeakers were already gaining popularity before the pandemic, but all of that changed when tens of millions of families were forced to work and learn from home. With movie theaters, stadiums, and live music venues shuttered for over a year in some parts of North America, consumers started to rethink their long-term home entertainment goals and part of that included a significant surge in demand for these types of loudspeakers.
The CI loudspeaker category has become a key focus for high-end brands like Monitor Audio, MartinLogan, Focal, Dynaudio, DALI and KEF.
Why? It’s an easier sell because you don’t have to see them and that includes cables and often components that are installed in racks.
Outdoor and marine loudspeakers have also become a focus for brands like Focal and KEF as wealthier consumers tend to invest in multi-room systems and boats.
For those with really deep pockets, KEF’s Extreme Ci-Reference Series is designed to deliver the best possible sound quality and installation experience for consumers looking for a high-end in-wall solution.
KEF’s Extreme Home Theater Category offers up three speaker series, the Ci-Reference, Ci-Q, and Ci-R.
KEF Ci-R Series
In this article, we discuss the newly announced models in the Ci-R series; the Ci5160RLM-THX and Ci3160RLM-THX.
The Ci-R Series builds on the acoustic capabilities derived from KEF’s flagship Reference bookshelf and floorstanding speakers, combined with additional technological innovations developed for in-wall and in-ceiling use.
THX Certification
Just as with all speakers in the KEF’s Extreme Home Theater category, the Ci5160RLM and Ci3160RLM are THX Certified, in this case with Ultra certification. 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.
Three additional things that THX tests for when evaluating speakers include:
- Axial Frequency Response – This is the ability to reproduce audio accurately. THX confirms the axial frequency response is balanced and flat.
- Output vs Distortion:– This tests whether the speaker can produce the high volume necessary to achieve the THX Reference Level without creating audible distortion or artifacts.
- Vertical and Horizontal Dispersion: – THX tests off-axis response to make sure it is smooth with no audible comb filtering, making every seat in the room the sweet spot.
Ci5160RLM-THX and Ci3160RLM-THX Core Features
Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT): This removes 99% of high-frequency distortion for pure, natural sound.
12th generation Uni-Q (with MAT) driver array: This supports precise acoustic accuracy.
Aluminum Bass Drivers: Four (Ci5160RLM-THX) or Two (Ci3160RLM-THX) hybrid aluminum bass drivers for tight, deep, controlled bass
Discreet Design: This provides easy blending into the room
Finish: Available in Aluminium Silver
Paintable Magnetic Metal Grille: This provides additional installation flexibility for any interior. Optional black cloth grille also available
Comparison
| Ci5160RLM-THX | Ci3160RLM-THX | |
| MSRP (each) | $2,999.99 | $1,999.99 |
| Series | Ci-R | Ci-R |
| THX Certification | Ultra | Ultra |
| Speaker Configuration | 3-way | 3-way |
| Nominal Impedance | 4 ohms | 4 ohms |
| Sensitivity (2.83V/1m) | 89dB | 89dB |
| Frequency Response (±6dB) open-backed | 40Hz to 28kHz | 43Hz – 28kHz |
| Frequency Range (-10dB) | 32Hz – 45kHz | 33Hz – 45kHz |
| Nominal Coverage (degrees) | 150° | 150° |
| Max SPL (dB) | 110dB | 110dB |
| Crossover Frequency | 640Hz, 2.6kHz | 640Hz, 2.6kHz |
| Low-Frequency Driver | 4 x 160mm (6.5in.) | 2 x 160mm (6.5in.) |
| Mid-Frequency Driver (Uni-Q) | 1 x 160mm (6.5in.) | 1 x 160mm (6.5in.) |
| High-Frequency Driver (vented aluminum dome with MAT) | 1 x 25mm (1in.) | 1 x 25mm (1in.) |
| Recommended Amplifier Power | 50 – 350W | 50 – 350W |
| Recommended High-Pass filter | 35 – 80Hz | 35 – 80Hz |
| External Dimensions (HWD) | 1070 x 230 x 105.7 mm (42.13 x 9.06 x 4.16 in.) | 680 x 230 x 105.7mm(26.77 x 9.06 x 4.16in.) |
| Cut-Out Dimensions (HW) | 1052 x 209 mm (41.42 x 8.23 in.) | 660 x 209mm (25.98 x 8.23in.) |
| Net Weight | 18.7 kg (41.1 lbs.) | 12 kg (26.4 lbs.) |
| Mounting Depth From Surface | 99mm (3.9in.) | 99mm (3.9in.) |
| Optional Rough-in-Frame | RIF5160L | RIF3160L |
| Ideal Rear Volume (Liters) | 90L | 60L |
| Minimum Rear Volume (Liters) | 40L | 30L |
| Wall Thickness (Maximum) | 40mm (1.58in.) | 40mm (1.58in.) |
| Wall Thickness (Minimum) | 6mm (0.24in.) | 6mm (0.24in.) |
Pricing and Availability
Available now through KEF Authorized Dealers at the following prices:
- KEF Ci5160RLM-THX are priced at $2,999.99 each
- KEF Ci3160RLM-THX are priced at $1,999.99 each
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