KEF Ci5160REF $10k/ea In Wall Speaker Preview
Summary
- Product Name: Ci5160REF-THX
- Manufacturer: KEF
- Review Date: February 20, 2017 07:00
- MSRP: $10,000 each
- First Impression: Pretty Cool
| Nominal Impedance |
4 Ω |
|---|---|
| Sensitivity | 90dB (2.83V/ 1m) |
| Frequency Response | 40Hz - 28kHz (±6dB) open backed |
| Crossover Frequencies | 300Hz, 2.4kHz |
| Drive Units | LF: 4 x 160mm (6.5 in.) MF: 160mm (6.5 in.) HF: 25mm (1 in.) Uni-Q |
| Recommended Amplifier Power | 40 - 250W |
| Product external dimensions | H x W x D : 1070 x 230 x 105.7 mm (42.13 x 9.06 x 4.16 in.) H x W x D with Grille : 1073 x 242 x 112.4 mm (42.24 x 9.53 x 4.43 in.) |
| Cut-out dimensions | H x W : 1052 x 209mm (41.42 x 8.23 in.) |
| Mounting depth from surface | 99mm (3.9 in.) |
| Net Weight | 19 kg (41.89 lbs) |
For custom installed speaker
specialists, the new KEF Ci5160
REF-THX might be the new go to in wall speaker
for the highest of the high end home theaters. As part of the new Extreme Home Theater THX Ci
Series, KEF is certainly proud of this series which is THX Ultra 2 certified
and are priced at $10,000 each.
The Ci5160REF-THX features four powerful linear 165mm (6.5 inch) bass drivers and KEF's flagship 125mm (5 inch) MF/HF Uni-Q array with 25mm (1 inch) vented aluminum dome tweeter at the acoustic center. The 6.5 inch bass drivers should provide enough punch for a great home theater experience. The Ci5160REF-THX is 42.13″ (high) x 9.06″ (wide) x 4.16″ (deep) and is rated at 4-ohms nominal with recommended power of 40 watts to 250 watts, and sensitivity of 90 dB. Frequency response is rated from 40Hz to 28kHz (though with no tolerances given), and the crossover frequencies are set at 300 Hz and 2400 Hz, respectively.
The Ci5160REF-THX is THX Ultra 2 Certified to give all of the detail, imaging, resolution and soundstage found in THX certified speakers. THX Ultra2 Certified products are designed to bring the cinematic experience to larger home theaters, 3,000 cubic feet in size or larger, with a viewing distance of 12 feet or greater from the screen. The Ci5160REF-THX is tastefully finished with a brushed 11mm (7/16”) thick aluminum front baffle.
The Ci5160REF-THX will be available now but it comes with a whopping $10,000/ea price tag. Is it worth it? Depends on how big of a KEF fan you are and how deep your pockets.
Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.
Tony is our resident expert for lifestyle and wireless products including soundbars. He does most of the reviews for wireless and streaming loudspeakers and often compares soundbars in round ups and helps us cover the trade shows.
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