KEF Ci5160REFM-THX LCR In-Wall Speaker

About The KEF Ci5160REFM-THX LCR In-Wall Speaker

A state-of-the-art architectural speaker in KEF's flagship The Reference range, the in-wall Ci-Reference architectural speaker Ci5160REFM-THX delivers the might and magic of pure accurate sound and brings a thrillingly immersive audio experience for movies and music at home. The KEF engineering team in Maidstone, UK has once again pushed the limits of technology to deliver a world class speaker that not only meets the standards set by The Reference, but also the largest and most powerful THX® performance class – THX® Certified Dominus. Ci5160REFMTHX is KEF’s first in-wall speaker to be THX® Certified Dominus among the very few that can achieve this ultimate standard worldwide. It is the closest approximation to a public cinema experience that you can achieve in your own home. Being THX® Certified Dominus means you hear was what meant to be heard. The quiet whisper, that loud explosion, and everything in between. Together with innovative technologies including the 12th generation Uni-Q driver array with Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT), Ci5160REFM-THX delivers an immersive, high-fidelity soundstage with unmatched sonic excellence even for large home theatres and living rooms.

12th Generation Uni-Q® Driver Array with MAT: At the heart of Ci5160REFM-THX sits the latest example of KEF's signature driver array - Uni-Q. Now in its 12th generation, this remarkable feat of engineering acts as a point source, dispersing sound more evenly allowing everyone to experience the same natural detailed sound, wherever in the room they are.

The Ci5160REFM-THX also benefits from another groundbreaking acoustic innovation: Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT). MAT is a highly complex maze-like structure that absorbs 99% of the unwanted sound from the rear of the tweeter, delivering a crisper, more natural treble performance.

Reference-Quality Sound: Ci5160REFM-THX delivers a clean, rich, highly articulate bass, thanks to the four 165mm (6.5”) bass drivers. Designed specifically for the in-wall environment, the massive, vented motor system handles significant amounts of raw power.

Simultaneously, the smart engineering and fine nuances of the driver design blend seamlessly into the Uni-Q driver array, making Ci5160REFM-THX a truly unified speaker, disappearing into the room, leaving an awe inspiring, immersive experience.

Total Attention To Detail: Every Ci-Reference speaker is a statement of quality, with total attention to detail that comes from being hand-crafted by KEF’s masters in Maidstone, UK. Each is designed to be both acoustically and visually exceptional and meticulously built to KEF’s superlative standards.

The 11mm thick, precision-machined aluminium baffle of Ci5160REFM-THX is not only a mark of quality and aesthetic excellence but also engineered to eliminate vibration and provide a stoic platform for the drivers to perform at their best.

Surrounding the Uni-Q driver array is the Shadow Flare – another example of form following function. A precision-made trim ring perfectly transitions sound from the driver into the room, eliminating diffraction effects.

Hide Your Speakers, Not Your Sound: ‘Hide your speakers, not your sound’ is the concept behind KEF’s comprehensive range of architectural speakers. Ci5160REFM-THX is engineered with best-in-class acoustic performance and designed to be discreet in appearance with the paintable magnetic metal grille, delivering an immersive soundscape via speakers that blend into the interior. Available in Aluminium Black/Grey, a hairline finished aluminium baffle in black, with the Uni-Q driver array in grey. An optional black cloth grille is also available.

Our Review

If you’re after proper cinema sound without littering your lounge with hulking speakers, the KEF Ci5160REFM-THX is a bit of a masterpiece. As part of KEF’s flagship Reference range, this in-wall beauty is hand-built in Maidstone and absolutely packed with top-tier tech – including the latest Uni-Q driver with clever MAT wizardry that soaks up unwanted noise for a cleaner, more natural treble. It’s the first in-wall KEF to snag the ultra-prestigious THX Certified Dominus badge, meaning it delivers serious punch, whether it’s a whisper or an explosion, all while sitting flush with your wall. The sleek aluminium baffle not only looks the part but keeps everything rock solid, and the whole thing blends in so neatly you’ll forget it’s even there - until you fire it up, that is.

Main Features & Specifications

• Design: Reference 3-Way LCR In-Wall Speaker – Sold Individually
• KEF’s first THX® Certified Dominus speaker – the largest and most powerful THX performance class
• Metamaterial Absorption Technology eliminates 99% of high-frequency distortion for pure, natural sound
• 12th generation Uni-Q with MAT driver array for exceptional acoustic accuracy
• Four hybrid aluminium bass drivers for tight, deep, controlled bass
• Discreet design allows for easy blending into the room
• Supplied with a paintable magnetic metal grille that fits effortlessly into any interior
• Optional black cloth grille available

Technical

• Nominal Impedance: 4Ω
• Sensitivity (2.83V/1m): 92dB
• Frequency Response (±6dB) Open-Backed: 40Hz - 28kHz
• Frequency range (-10dB): 32Hz - 45kHz
• Nominal coverage (degrees): 150°
• Max SPL (dB): 116dB
• Crossover Frequencies: 600Hz, 3kHz
• Drive Units
  • Bass: 4 x 165mm (6.5”)
  • Midrange: 133mm (5.25”) Uni-Q
  • Treble: 25mm (1”) Vented Aluminium Dome with Metamaterial Absorption Technology
• Recommended Amplifier Power: 50 - 500W
• Recommended High-Pass Filter (Hz): 35 - 80Hz
• Optional rough in frame: RIF5160L
• Ideal Rear Volume: 90L
• Minimum Rear Volume: 40L
• THX Certification: THX® Certified Dominus
• Wall Thickness (Maximum): 40mm
• Wall Thickness (Minimum): 6mm
• Mounting Depth from Surface: 99mm
• Product External Dimensions (WxHxD): 230 x 1,070 x 105.7mm
• Cut-Out Dimensions (WxH): 209 x 1,052mm
• Weight: 21.7 kg
• Manufacturer’s Warranty: 5 Years + 1 Extended Year when Registered at KEF.com

Note: Features & Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice. E&OE.