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
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) |
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.
Related Reading: Theory Audio Design 5.2.2 Surround Sound System Review
Prices & Availability
- The KEF Ci5160REFM-THX is priced $10,999.99 each
- The KEF Ci3160REFM-THX is priced $7,999.99 each.
For more information: us.kef.com
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