Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
Ci160RR-THX
reviews
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Nominal Impedance: 4 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 90dB (2.83V/1m)
- Frequency Response (±6DB): 52Hz - 24kHz
- Frequency Range (-10DB): 38Hz-30kHz
- Nominal Coverage: 130 Degrees
- Recommended Amplifier Power: 10-190W
- Recommended High-Pass Filter: 38Hz
- Dimensions: Diameter: 234.6mm (9.24in.), Depth: 115mm (4.53in)
- Cut-Out Dimensions: Diameter: 196mm (7.71in.)
- Mounting Thickness: Ceiling Maximum: 37mm (1.460in.), Minimum: 4mm (0.160in.)
- Mounting Depth From Surface: 110mm (4.33in.)
- MAX SPL: 105 DB
- Crossover Frequency: 2.1kHz
- Driver Unit: LF: 165mm (6.5in.) Uni-Q, HF: 25mm (1in.)
- Net Weight: 2.94kg (6.48Ibs.)
- Certification: THX ULTRA
- Safety And Regulatory Compliance: IP64
Description
THX ® Certified Ultra Architectural Speaker Ci160RR-THX is an ultra-high-performance loudspeaker featuring KEF's signature Uni-Q technology, designed for discreet in-ceiling or in-wall installation. As part of the Ci-R Series and a THX ® Certified Ultra architectural loudspeaker, Ci160RR-THX is engineered to maintain exceptional sound quality at high outputs.
Ci160RR-THX# is an ultra-high-performance loudspeaker featuring KEF's signature Uni-Q technology, designed for discreet in-ceiling or in-wall installation. As part of the Ci-R Series and a THX® Certified Ultra architectural loudspeaker, Ci160RR-THX is engineered to maintain exceptional sound quality at high outputs.
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- KEF's designs prioritize a "Single Apparent Source" through coaxial driver technology, aiming for a coherent soundstage where frequencies appear to originate from a single point, enhancing realism and spatial accuracy.
- The brand incorporates "Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT)" into its drivers, utilizing a maze-like structure to absorb unwanted sound waves from the rear of the driver, resulting in cleaner and more defined output.
- They offer a wide range of streaming and connectivity options, with their powered loudspeakers responding to the proprietary KEF Connect app, which delivers multiple streaming services and facilitates setup and customization.
- KEF frequently collaborates with renowned industrial designers to create visually striking products that seamlessly blend into modern living spaces, balancing aesthetic appeal with acoustic performance.
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T Series
- Positioning: The ultra-slim speaker line, designed to complement modern flat-screen TVs with a minimal footprint.
- Description: While delivering a sleek aesthetic, the flat diaphragm driver maintains rigidity and minimizes resonance, providing clean and accurate sound. However, compared to other KEF lines like the Q or R Series, it may offer less depth in bass response due to its slim design.
Q Series
- Positioning: The entry-level range offers versatile speakers suitable for both stereo and home theater setups.
- Description: Features Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) and the 12th generation Uni-Q driver array, delivering detailed and natural sound. While it provides excellent value, it lacks some of the advanced damping and driver technologies found in the higher-end R and Reference Series, which offer more refined sound reproduction.
R Series
- Positioning: Bridges the gap between the entry-level Q Series and the high-end Reference Series, incorporating technologies from the latter to enhance performance.
- Description: Equipped with Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) and the 12th generation Uni-Q driver array, delivers precise and immersive sound. Unlike the Q Series, it includes Shadow Flare technology to reduce cabinet diffraction, resulting in clearer high frequencies.
The Reference
- Positioning: As KEF's high-end line, sets the benchmark for audiophile-grade sound reproduction.
- Description: Incorporating Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) and a 12th generation Uni-Q driver array, offers exceptional clarity and detail. It also features advanced cabinet construction and flexible port technology for cleaner bass compared to the R Series. However, it doesn't achieve the Single Apparent Source configuration found in the Blade Series, which provides even more precise imaging.
Blade Series
- Positioning: Represents KEF's innovative approach to speaker design, featuring the world's first Single Apparent Source loudspeakers.
- Description: With Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) and the 12th generation Uni-Q driver array, delivers coherent and precise sound. Its unique cabinet design minimizes resonances and diffraction, surpassing the traditional enclosures of The Reference Series.
MUON
- Positioning: Stands as KEF's flagship speaker, combining cutting-edge acoustic engineering with avant-garde industrial design.
- Description: Crafted from super-formed aluminum, the rigid structure minimizes vibrations, delivering ultra-wide bandwidth and immersive sound. While it shares the Uni-Q driver array with other KEF models, its exclusive design and limited production make it a collector's item.
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Avg. Product Price
$501-$1,000
Used For Sale
574
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
1
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
95
Founding Year
1961
Our take on the brand
KEF's signature Uni-Q technology places the tweeter in the center of the woofer to create a single point source for sound, while their Metamaterial Absorption Technology absorbs 99% of unwanted sound from the rear of the driver. Their Music Integrity Engine corrects timing errors in the speaker crossover, and their Shadow Flare technology reduces diffraction for improved detail and clarity in sound reproduction.
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What if you spend more?
Focal
300 IWLCR 6
1199
1199
/
4
Reviews
Focal is a French hifi brand that makes their own drivers in-house, including their highly-regarded beryllium tweeters and unique slatefiber mid/bass drivers made from recycled carbon fiber. Their speakers and headphones feature distinctive technologies like their "W" sandwich cone design for optimal driver performance and Mimi Sound Personalization that adapts audio to individual hearing profiles.
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Product Strengths
- Tool-less design with the Easy Quick Install (EQI) system allows for quick and easy installation
- Flax cone drivers offer light, stiff cones with good natural damping
- The design allows for both horizontal and vertical installation by rotating the high-frequency/mid-range pod
- Delivers impressive dynamics, a clean, neutral balance, and articulate dialogue handling
- Easy to drive with an amplifier
Product Considerations
- The Easy Quick Install (EQI) system may not work in all situations due to space constraints behind the wall
- The open-back design can make the speaker's balance dependent on the installation environment, potentially requiring EQ adjustments
- Adding the included black acoustic cloth to the grille darkens the overall color shade, which is not ideal for color matching applications
- If a clamp breaks on the tool-less design, it is not easily replaceable
- Requires more horizontal spacing than speakers with traditional dogears, requiring installers to be more careful about between-stud placement
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Focal Kanta No. 2: The Kanta No. 2 has a weightier midrange, superlative upper frequencies, more depth, wider soundstage, and improved imaging, though the 300IWLCR6's sound quality is satisfying
- Vs PSB W-LCR: The PSB exhibits a very slight nasal characteristic, which is not noticed on the Focal LCRs
- Vs Martin Logan Axis: The Martin Logan Axis has impressive imaging and upper-end frequency output due to its folded ribbon tweeter, which is very different from the Focals' inverted dome aluminum and magnesium tweeter
Takeaway: The Focal 300IWLCR6 in-wall loudspeaker is easy to install and delivers great sound for music and movies, especially when paired with a good subwoofer. The speaker can be easily installed, and it can fit into various home theater setups.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Focal is a French hifi brand that makes their own drivers in-house, including their highly-regarded beryllium tweeters and unique slatefiber mid/bass drivers made from recycled carbon fiber. Their speakers and headphones feature distinctive technologies like their "W" sandwich cone design for optimal driver performance and Mimi Sound Personalization that adapts audio to individual hearing profiles.
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M&K Sound
IW150A
1599
1599
/
2
Reviews
The IW150A. Targeted primarily as a Dolby Atmos-friendly in-ceiling model, it can also be used for other in-wall cinema or multi-room music applications. Its single 15-degree angle-fixed tweeter makes the IW150A ideal for effects-based sound in multi-speaker setups. The debut of the new 150 member means that, along with the IW28S subwoofer, there is within the 150 Series a complete in-wall/ in-ceiling seamless solution for reference-grade home cinemas. The Versatile use of the IW150A makes it fit in any position. Turn it – UP, SIDE or DOWN your choice.
M&K Sound invented the world's first subwoofer in 1973 and is widely used in Hollywood studios for mixing and mastering film soundtracks. Their push-pull subwoofer design cancels out harmonic distortion, and their speakers deliver professional studio monitor neutrality, making them a top choice for high-end audio production.
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Product Strengths
- Retains the neutrality, realism, and musicality associated with the M&K Sound design in a discreet enclosure
- The front three IW150 models perfectly match each other in terms of tonality and are utterly transparent
- Capable of a pleasingly open sound that fills the room with wonderful detail and clarity
- The transient response of these speakers is incredible, viscerally delivering the scares as the soundtrack suddenly goes from relative silence to very loud
Product Considerations
- Slightly lacking at the low-end, designed to be used with a subwoofer
- Placement can be non-trivial and orientation moreso because of the multi-woofer/tweeter design, resulting in a weird dispersion that will sound different depending on which side of the speaker one is on
- Putting them in the wall might change its sonic integrity
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- IW150 is an in-wall version of the M&K Sound S150
Takeaway: The IW150 delivers the detail, clarity, and transience of a professional studio monitor from a discreet, in-wall enclosure. If one is looking for in-wall speakers that vanish into their decor, then these are worth an audition.
Video review
Our take on the brand
M&K Sound invented the world's first subwoofer in 1973 and is widely used in Hollywood studios for mixing and mastering film soundtracks. Their push-pull subwoofer design cancels out harmonic distortion, and their speakers deliver professional studio monitor neutrality, making them a top choice for high-end audio production.
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What competes at this price?
M&K Sound
IC95
799
/
Released
The new compact IC95 integrated loudspeaker system is based on the well proven proprietary 6,5-inch mid-woofer, also used in Miller & Kreisel studio monitor system MPS1620P and in-wall system IW95. The mid-woofer in IC95 is a long time accepted key component in the Miller & Kreisel signature sound history, now appearing as the key component for the smallest and most compact format ever – to provide the real Miller & Kreisel sound.
M&K Sound invented the world's first subwoofer in 1973 and is widely used in Hollywood studios for mixing and mastering film soundtracks. Their push-pull subwoofer design cancels out harmonic distortion, and their speakers deliver professional studio monitor neutrality, making them a top choice for high-end audio production.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The IC95 is built with high-quality materials, including rigid push-button speaker terminals
- Sound field height, envelopment, and directionality are improved
- Speaker localization tends to disappear in the sound field
Product Considerations
- The cutout template included is slightly larger than the Revel c263, which may require some ceiling modification
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The IC95 improves sound field height, envelopment, and directionality over the Revel c263
Takeaway: The MK Sound IC95 is a phenomenal in-ceiling speaker that will give a lot for the money and is especially good as Atmos speakers. The improvements in sound quality are substantial and make it a worthwhile upgrade.
Video review
Our take on the brand
M&K Sound invented the world's first subwoofer in 1973 and is widely used in Hollywood studios for mixing and mastering film soundtracks. Their push-pull subwoofer design cancels out harmonic distortion, and their speakers deliver professional studio monitor neutrality, making them a top choice for high-end audio production.
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Axiom
M2 (In-wall)
698
/
Released
The M2 in-wall is ideal for customers who want hi-fidelity sound that doesn't take up any floor space. The new M2 in-wall provides the kind of transparent, neutral, wide-range sound you expect from Axiom in an almost-invisible enclosure. The M2 in-wall speaker preserves the sonic signature of its bookshelf equivalent, the M2, and adds a slim profile - just 5/8ths of an inch with the grille on, which is a perfect complement to today's modern low-profile plasma and LCD TV screens.
Axiom Audio manufactures its own drivers and features unique design elements like rear-firing drivers with DSP processing, die-cast metal faceplates that act as heatsinks, and Vortex ports to reduce air turbulence. Their speakers, including the LFR1100 and M100 v4, are known for uncommon features at their price points, such as seven drivers per speaker for greater linearity and the ability to reach exceptionally low frequencies of 15Hz in their subwoofers.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The M2v2 is the least colored speaker in the group
- The M2v2 is impressively involving and delivers music well
- The M2v2 is the cheapest speaker of the group
- The M2v2 is neutral and musical
Product Considerations
- Fit and finish is adequate, but nothing impressed the reviewer
- The finish is a faux-woodgrain that does not look like real wood, though real wood veneers are offered at a premium
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- While the Paradigm may have sounded lusher with the string trio, the Axiom lacked any of the other speakers' tonal caveats
- While the Aperion may have delivered rock music with more punch, the Axiom lacked any of the other speakers' tonal caveats
Takeaway: The M2v2 is a great choice because it delivers music well and is the least colored speaker of the group, which makes it good at playing any type of music. It should be considered a classic.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Axiom Audio manufactures its own drivers and features unique design elements like rear-firing drivers with DSP processing, die-cast metal faceplates that act as heatsinks, and Vortex ports to reduce air turbulence. Their speakers, including the LFR1100 and M100 v4, are known for uncommon features at their price points, such as seven drivers per speaker for greater linearity and the ability to reach exceptionally low frequencies of 15Hz in their subwoofers.
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