KEF Ci5160RL Ci3160RL Reference Series In-wall Speakers
KEF Ci5160RL and Ci3160RL Reference Series In-wall Speakers
Summary
- Product Name: Ci5160RL and Ci3160RL Reference Series In-wall Speakers
- Manufacturer: KEF
- Review Date: September 27, 2013 18:10
- MSRP: $999 - $2499/ea
- First Impression: Pretty Cool
Model: Ci5160RL
- Nominal Impedance: 4Ω
- Sensitivity (2.83V/ 1m): 90dB
- Frequency response (±6dB): 40Hz - 28kHz
- Crossover frequency: 300Hz, 2.4kHz
- 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.)
- Cut-out dimensions (H x W): 1050 x 209 (41.34 x 8.23 in.)
- Net Weight: 17.5 kg (38.58 lbs)
- Mounting depth from surface: 98.2 mm (3.87 in.)
- Optional rough in frame: RIF5160L
Model: Ci3160RL
- Nominal Impedance: 4Ω
- Sensitivity (2.83V/ 1m): 90dB
- Frequency response (±6dB): 45Hz - 28kHz
- Crossover frequency: 340Hz, 2.5kHz
- LF: 2 x 160mm (6.5 in.)
- MF: 160mm (6.5 in.)
- HF: 19mm (0.75 in.) Uni-Q
- Recommended Amplifier Power: 30-180W
- Product external dimensions (H x W x D): 680 x 230 x 105.7 (26.77 x 9.06 x 4.16 in.)
- Cut-out dimensions (H x W): 660 x 209 (25.98 x 8.23 in.)
- Net Weight: 11.7 kg (25.79 lbs)
- Mounting depth from surface: 98.2mm (3.67 in.)
- Optional rough in frame: RIF3160L
Model: Ci3160RLb
- Nominal Impedance: 4Ω
- Sensitivity (2.83V/ 1m): 92dB
- Frequency response (±6dB): 28Hz - 100Hz
- Drivers: 3 x 160mm (6.5 in.)
- Recommended Amplifier Power: KASA500
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 680 x 230 x 96 mm (26.77 x 9.06 x 3.78 in.)
- Cut-out dimensions: 660 x 209 (25.98 x 8.23 in.)
- Net Weight: 10 kg (22.04 lbs)
- Mounting depth from surface: 88.5mm (3.84 in.)
- Optional rough in frame: RIF3160L
These are the new KEF Ci5160RL and Ci3160RL Reference Series in-wall speakers which are based on the blade series, as are a lot of KEF products. In fact, if you go back in time and kill the guy who invented the bales series, you're going to take out the entire KEF organization because a lot of their speakers are seemingly based around technologies developed in those speakers. These speakers use 6.5-inch midrange drivers with a 1-inch Uni-Q tweeter in the middle, plus four 6-5-inch aluminum magnesium woofers for the Ci5160RL and two for the Ci3160RL. That's going to handle everything from your mid-bass to your high frequencies.
These are THX-certified speakers with beautiful brushed aluminum baffles and KEF even gives you the option of either white or black grills to fit them into any decor. The other thing they did was add an in-wall sub. The Ci3160RLb has three 6.5-inch bass drivers and is powered by a stereo 250 watt per channel amplifier, the KASA500. This amplifier was literally an engineering sample KEF brought to the show.
Overall, these are some very beautiful Reference in-wall speakers from KEF and I think they'd make any high-end installation look awesome. Just keep the grilles off, because these aluminum baffles are meant to be seen.
Pricing
- Ci5160RL - $2499/ea
- Ci3160RL - $1499/ea
- Ci3160RLb - $999/ea
- KASA500 amplifier - $999
Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.
Clint Deboer was terminated from Audioholics for misconduct on April 4th, 2014. He no longer represents Audioholics in any fashion.
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