KEF's THX Dominus In-Wall Speakers Deliver High-End Performance At A Lofty Price

KEF's THX Dominus In-Wall Speakers Deliver High-End Performance At A Lofty Price,KEF implements latest Uni-Q drivers in new flagship architectural speaker line. There are two new models that are THX Domimus and THX Ultra Certified for home theater.

KEF's THX Dominus In-Wall Speakers Deliver High-End Performance At A Lofty Price

KEF first introduced its 12th generation Uni-Q driver array with Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) in the LS50 Meta Bookshelf Loudspeakers in 2020. Since then KEF’s innovative coaxial driver has been making its way through their speaker line-up, which includes Blade and Reference, LS60, Ci250RRM-THX, and R Meta Series.

KEF’s flagship architectural speakers from its Ci-Reference Extreme Series have been updated with 12th generation technology. The new Ci5160REFM-THX and Ci3160REFM-THX in-wall speakers have arrived at a rather steep price; $11K and $8K each, respectively. They replace the Ci5160REF-THX and Ci3160REF-THX, which have almost the same model name, but without the “M”.

Tip: Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) claims to deliver more natural sounding treble.

THX Certification

Just as with its previously announced in-wall Ci250RRM speaker and Ci250RRb in-wall Subwoofer, the new architectural speakers are also THX Certified with the Ci5160REFM carrying the THX Dominus and the Ci3160REFM carrying the THX Ultra designations.

THX Dominus Certification means that the speaker is optimized for rooms as large as 6,500 cubic feet, and up to a 20-foot viewing distance from the screen.

THX Ultra Certification means that the speaker is optimized for rooms up to 3,000 cubic feet and a 12-foot viewing distance from the screen.

Common Features

KEF Ci5160REFM-THX 12th Generation Uni-Q Driver with MAT — Both new models use KEF’s 12th Generation Uni-Q Driver with MAT.

To provide optimal sound quality, these two speakers also incorporate the following KEF Technologies and Features.

Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT): This removes 99% of high-frequency distortion for pure, natural sound.

12th generation Uni-Q and Shadow Flare Surface: Improves acoustic accuracy.

Paintable Magnetic Grill: More than just being decorative, the provided grills provide a balance between driver protection, sonic performance, and aesthetics. Optional cloth grill available.

Impedance: The speakers have a 4-ohm impedance.

Finish: Aluminum Black/Grey.

Tip: Both speakers can be used vertically as left, right, or surround speakers, or horizontally as a center channel speaker.

Ci5160REFM-THX

In addition to the features listed above, The Ci5160REFM-THX is KEF’s first THX Dominus Certified in-wall speaker. This speaker incorporates four 6.5-inch bass drivers for optimized bass performance for in-wall setups. The speaker also features an 11mm thick machined aluminum baffle to limit unwanted vibration.

Ci3160REFM-THX

As mentioned previously, the Ci3160REFM-THX in-wall speaker is THX Ultra Certified. It is more compact than the Ci5160REFM-THX as it incorporates two 6.5-inch bass drivers rather than four for bass performance. KEF does not mention if this speaker also includes an 11mm thick baffle.

Comparison

Speaker Model	Ci5160REFM-THX	Ci3160REFM-THX
MSRP	$10,999 each	$7,999 each
Series	Ci-Reference	Ci-Reference
THX Certification	THX Dominus	THX Ultra
Speaker Configuration	3-way	3-way
Nominal Impedance	4 ohms	4 ohms
Sensitivity (2.83V/1m)	92dB	89dB
Frequency Response (+/- 6dB) Open-back	40Hz to 28kHz	40Hz to 28kHz
Frequency Range (-10 dB)	32Hz to 45Hz	32Hz to 45Hz
Nominal Coverage	150 degrees	150 degrees
MAX SPL (dB)	116 dB	110 dB
Crossover Frequency	600Hz, 3kHz	600Hz, 3kHz
LF Driver	4 x 160mm (6.5 inches)	2 x 160mm (6.5 inches)
MF Driver (Uni-Q)	1 x 125 mm (5.25-inches)	1 x 125 mm (5.25-inches)
HF Driver (Vented Aluminum Dome Tweeter with MAT)	1 x 25mm (1-inch)	1 x 25mm (1-inch)
Recommended Amp Power	50 to 500 watts	50 to 350 watts
Recommend Hi-Pass Filter	35 to 80Hz	35 to 80Hz
External Dimensions (HWD)	1070 x 230 x 105.7 mm (42.13 x 9.06 x 4.16-inches)	680 x 230 x 105.7 mm(26.77 x 9.06 x 4.16 inches)
Cutout Dimensions (HW)	1052 x 209 mm (41.42 x 8.23-inches)	660 x 209 mm (25.98 x 8.23 inches)
Net Weight	21.7 kg (47.8 lbs)	13.6 kg (29.92 lbs)
Mounting Depth From Surface	99 mm (3.9 inches)	99 mm (3.9 inches)
Optional Rough in Frame	RIF5160L	RIF3160L
Ideal Rear Volume	90 Liters	60 Liters
Maximum Rear Volume	40 Liters	30 Liters
Wall Thickness Maximum	40 mm (1.58-inches)	40 mm (1.58-inches)
Wall Thickness Minimum	6mm (0.24 inches)	6mm (0.24 inches)

KEF Ci5160REFM-THX and Ci3160REFM-THX in-wall LCR speaker system lifestyle — KEF Ci5160REFM-THX In-Wall Speakers (Left/Right) with KEF Ci3160REFM-THX (Center)

Competition

KEF isn’t the only company with a THX Dominus Certified In-Wall Speaker. Perlisten has 8 architectural speakers that are THX Dominus Certified. Although, Focal doesn’t offer THX certification, their flagship 1000 Series In-Wall Speakers with Beryllium tweeters are sure to please a lot of audiophiles.

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