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
Ci5160REFM-THX
reviews
Video Review
Manufacturer 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.)
Description
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.
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
$10,001-$20,000
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?
Martin Logan
Statement 40XW
24999
24999
/
2
Reviews
Martin Logan is one of the most established names in high-end audio, best known as a pioneer of electrostatic panel speakers. Electrostatics offer a unique, tactile transient response that many audiophiles find addictive—once people hear them, they often become lifelong fans. In some ways, these speakers are comparable to Magnepan’s dipole designs. However, Martin Logan also offers more traditional cone-driver speakers, providing something for a range of tastes and setups.
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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
Martin Logan is one of the most established names in high-end audio, best known as a pioneer of electrostatic panel speakers. Electrostatics offer a unique, tactile transient response that many audiophiles find addictive—once people hear them, they often become lifelong fans. In some ways, these speakers are comparable to Magnepan’s dipole designs. However, Martin Logan also offers more traditional cone-driver speakers, providing something for a range of tastes and setups.
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