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.
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Ci5160REFM-THX
reviews
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Manufacturer's details
Features
Specifications
- Nominal Impedance: 4Ω
- Sensitivity (2.83V/1m): 92dB
- Frequency Response (±6 dB) open-backed: 40 - 28kHz
- Frequency Range (-10 dB): 32 - 45kHz
- Nominal Coverage: 150°
- Crossover Frequency: 600Hz, 3000Hz
- Drive Units: LF: 4 x 160mm (6.5in.), MF: 125mm (5.25in.) Uni-Q, HF: 25mm (1in.) vented aluminium dome with MAT
- Recommended Amplifier Power: 50 - 500 W
- Product External Dimensions (H x W x D): 1070 x 230 x 105.7mm (42.13 x 9.06 x 4.16in.)
- Cut-out Dimensions (H x W): 1052 x 209mm (41.42 x 8.23in.)
- Net Weight: 21.7kg (47.8lbs.)
- Mounting Depth From Surface: 99mm (3.9in.)
- Ideal Rear Volume: 90L
- Minimum Rear Volume: 40L
- Max SPL: 116dB
- Wall Thickness (Maximum): 40mm (1.58in.)
- Wall Thickness (Minimum): 6mm (0.24in.)
Manufacturer product description (from their site)
The in-wall Ci-Reference architectural speaker Ci5160REFM-THX is KEF's first in-wall speaker to be THX ® Certified Dominus among the very few that can achieve this ultimate standard worldwide. Together with a 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 the most extensive home theatres and living rooms.
The in-wall Ci-Reference architectural speaker Ci5160REFM-THX is KEF's first in-wall speaker to be THX® Certified Dominus among the very few that can achieve this ultimate standard worldwide. Together with a 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 the most extensive home theatres and living rooms.
Overall product release timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
We analyzed reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—and 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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Product lineup breakdown
Every KEF model is built around the Uni-Q driver, which puts the tweeter in the center of the woofer so sound leaves one point and the stereo image holds wherever you sit. The Q1 Meta has a 5.25 inch Uni-Q and fits a desk or small room. The Q Concerto Meta adds a separate 6.5 inch bass driver, so a medium room gets deeper bass while the midrange stays free for voices. The Muon, limited to 100 pair, has six 10 inch woofers that reach 20Hz in the largest rooms.
- Start here. If you want KEF's Uni-Q imaging in a small room or on a desk without spending much, the Q1 Meta is the compact entry.
- Sweet spot. The Q3 Meta gives a mid-size room a 6.5 inch Uni-Q with bass down to 49Hz, a step up in bass from the Q1 Meta, and the models above mostly add more bass drivers.
- All in. The Muon is a limited edition far beyond the Q Series in price, and for a listener with a very large room its extra bass drivers deliver much deeper, more powerful bass than any Q model.
All products from this brand
Avg. Product Price
$10,001-$20,000
Used For Sale
594
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 idea is the Uni-Q driver, which puts the tweeter in the center of the woofer so every frequency leaves from the same point and the stereo image holds together. The British company, founded in 1961 by former BBC engineer Raymond Cooke, builds almost its whole range around it. Recent models add Metamaterial Absorption Technology, a maze-like structure that absorbs the sound coming off the back of the driver, and the LS50 Wireless II and LS60 Wireless put Uni-Q in a powered cabinet with streaming built in.
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Brand Page
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KEF
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What if you spend more?
MartinLogan
Statement 40XW
24999
24999
/
2
Reviews
MartinLogan's idea is the CLS, or curvilinear line source, electrostatic panel, curved horizontally so high frequencies fan out across the room instead of beaming. The American company was started in Lawrence, Kansas, by Gayle Martin Sanders and Ron Logan Sutherland, whose middle names make up the brand. Its hybrid models pair the panel with powered woofers blended by DSP, and Anthem Room Correction can fit the bass to the room. Listeners who prefer cone speakers can choose the Motion series, built around Folded Motion tweeters.
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Product Strengths
- Designed for customers looking for large floor-standing sound without the space, offering no compromises in performance
- Features a line array of 40 drivers (8 bass, 16 midrange, 16 tweeters) for dynamic impact and sound projection in large spaces
- High-efficiency design delivers 95dB @ 2.83 volts/meter
- The speakers deliver a wall of music and movie effects
Product Considerations
- Traditionally intended for use in a home theater application or a two-channel system with external subwoofers
- Requires a specific wall cavity for in-wall installation
- Installation can be complex, requiring professional assistance
- A speaker with eight 6.5-inch woofers (equivalent to a pair of 13-inch woofers in each cabinet) per speaker might not need a subwoofer
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to Neolith, the Statement 40XW offers a similar flagship sound in a footprint hidden in the wall
- The Renaissance is the closest to the Neolith, but that's a traditional floor standard
Takeaway: The Martin Logan Statement 40XW in-wall loudspeakers deliver exceptional sound quality and dynamics, making them suitable for audiophiles who desire high-end performance without sacrificing space. It is a no-compromise speaker for the audiophile who loves music and movies but has no space for traditional speakers.
Video review
Our take on the brand
MartinLogan's idea is the CLS, or curvilinear line source, electrostatic panel, curved horizontally so high frequencies fan out across the room instead of beaming. The American company was started in Lawrence, Kansas, by Gayle Martin Sanders and Ron Logan Sutherland, whose middle names make up the brand. Its hybrid models pair the panel with powered woofers blended by DSP, and Anthem Room Correction can fit the bass to the room. Listeners who prefer cone speakers can choose the Motion series, built around Folded Motion tweeters.
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