KEF EXPANDS ARCHITECTURAL SPEAKER RANGE WITH A DISCREET NEW IN-WALL/IN-CEILING MODEL KEF CI160ES

KEF has extended its Architectural Speaker range with the new KEF Ci160ES (E=E Series, S=Square) in-wall/in-ceiling speaker.

This new square KEF Ci160ESl complements the entry-level E Series which already features 130mm (5.25 in.), 160mm (6.5 in.) and 200mm (8 in.) round, in-ceiling speakers.

KEF Ci160ES In Wall/Ceiling Architectural Speaker

KEF CI160ES

The KEF Ci160ES can be used as part of a wide variety of KEF-based speaker systems including whole home or multiroom setups, and even home theatres where it can be matched with other KEF speakers for a custom system.

The KEF Ci160ES In Wall/Ceiling Architectural Speaker is designed to be near invisible once installed

UNI-Q DRIVER

At the heart of the Ci160ES is a 160mm (6.5 in.) Uni-Q driver array. Uni-Q, a signature KEF technology, places the tweeter precisely at the acoustic centre of the bass/midrange cone. This single point source design aims to eliminate the small ‘sweet spot’ effect suffered by some conventional loudspeakers, and allows people sitting in different places in the room to experience the same performance. This is a major consideration with Architectural speakers. Even if the speakers are placed in what would be considered less-than-optimal positions, KEF says their Uni-Q technology “ensures the whole room is still filled with balanced sound”.

IP64 RATING

The Ci160ES also has useful features to help its placement across multiple environments. Certified with an IP64 rating, the speaker is protected against dust ingress and is splash-proof. This feature allows Ci160ES to be used anywhere from living rooms to kitchens and bathrooms. They can even be used in protected outdoor areas, such as under eaves. Other features include paintable magnetic grilles and ultra-thin bezel (UTB), which makes the Ci160ES ultra discreet.

Rear view of the KEF Ci160ES In Wall/Ceiling Architectural Speaker

KEF CI160ES SPECIFICATIONS

Nominal impedance 8Ω

Sensitivity (2.83V/1m) 89dB

Frequency response (±6dB) open-backed 52Hz – 20kHz

Frequency range (-10dB) 46Hz – 45kHz

Nominal coverage (degrees) 110°

Max SPL (dB) 104dB

Crossover frequency 2.8kHz

Drive units LF 160mm (6.5in.) Uni-Q

HF 16mm (0.6in.)

Recommended amplifier power 10 -100W

Recommended high-pass filter (Hz) 50Hz

Product external dimensions (H x W x D) 223 x 223 x 88.7mm (8.78 x 8.78 x 3.49in.)

Cut-out dimensions (H x W) 194 x 194 mm (7.64 x 7.64 in.)

Mounting depth from surface 85.2mm (3.35in.)

Net Weight 1.4kg (3.1lbs)

Optional rough-in frame RIF160S

Optional rear enclosure RNC160S

Ideal rear volume (L) 35L

Minimum rear volume (L) 20L

Certification IP64

PRICE AND AVAILABILITY

Price: £250 per pair

Availability: October 2021

Get all the latest Hifi News with Hifi Pig here!