The KEF Ci3160RL-THX is a THX Ultra2 certified three-way in-wall speaker from KEF's Ci-R Series of architectural speakers, designed to deliver reference-level cinema sound without occupying any floor space. Sitting in the upper tier of KEF's custom installation range, the Ci3160RL-THX shares the same engineering philosophy as KEF's acclaimed R Series loudspeakers, adapted for flush-mount installation behind a wall surface.
Uni-Q Driver Array with Tangerine Waveguide
At the heart of the Ci3160RL-THX is KEF's signature Uni-Q driver array — a coaxial design that places the 25mm vented aluminium dome tweeter concentrically within the 160mm aluminium cone midrange driver. This point-source arrangement ensures that high and mid frequencies radiate from the same acoustic centre, delivering consistent tonal balance across a wide listening area. The tangerine waveguide, mounted over the tweeter dome, controls dispersion for smoother high-frequency response both on and off axis.
Bass Performance
Two dedicated 160mm aluminium cone bass drivers flank the Uni-Q, providing the low-frequency foundation. The three-way crossover network splits the signal at 350 Hz and 2.7 kHz, allowing each driver to operate within its optimal range. With a frequency response extending down to 40 Hz and sensitivity of 90 dB, the Ci3160RL-THX is capable of filling large rooms with dynamic, full-range sound. Recommended amplifier power is 30 to 180 watts.
Construction and Installation
The speaker is built around a solid machined aluminium baffle that eliminates vibration and provides a rigid platform for the drivers. Dual binding post terminals support both bi-wire and bi-amplifier connections, allowing the low-frequency and mid/high-frequency sections to be driven independently for maximum performance. The speaker is designed for new-build or retrofit installation into a standard stud wall, with a mounting depth of just 99 mm from the wall surface.
THX Ultra2 Certification
THX Ultra2 certification confirms that the Ci3160RL-THX has passed rigorous testing for output levels, frequency response, signal-to-noise ratio, and distortion, ensuring it can reproduce cinema-quality sound in rooms up to approximately 85 cubic metres with viewing distances up to 3.6 metres. This makes it suitable for dedicated home theatre installations where performance cannot be compromised.
| Speaker Type | Three-way in-wall |
| Drive Units | LF: 2 x 160mm (6.5″) / MF: 160mm (6.5″) / HF: 25mm (1″) Uni-Q |
| Frequency Response (±6 dB) | 40 Hz – 28 kHz |
| Crossover Frequencies | 350 Hz, 2.7 kHz |
| Impedance | 4 Ohms |
| Sensitivity | 90 dB (2.83V/1m) |
| Recommended Amplifier Power | 30 – 180 W |
| Connections | Bi-wire / bi-amp terminals |
| THX Certification | THX Ultra2 |
| External Dimensions (H x W x D) | 1073 x 242 x 112.4 mm |
| Cut-Out Dimensions (H x W) | 1052 x 209 mm |
| Mounting Depth | 99 mm |
| Weight | 11.7 kg |