The Monitor Audio C265 is a 2-way in-ceiling speaker from the Core range, designed for architectural installations where performance and aesthetics must coexist. Sold here as a pair, the C265 sits above the entry-level Basics range, offering a larger 6.5-inch C-CAM bass driver and Monitor Audio's C-CAM Gold Dome tweeter for extended high-frequency response reaching 30 kHz.
Driver Technology
Both drivers use Monitor Audio's proprietary C-CAM (Ceramic-Coated Aluminium/Magnesium) cone material. The 6.5-inch bass driver delivers tight, controlled low-frequency output down to 60 Hz, while the 1-inch C-CAM Gold Dome tweeter — gold-anodised to a specific thickness for optimal stiffness and damping — extends the top end to 30 kHz. The tweeter pivots to allow precise aiming of the high-frequency output towards the primary listening position, improving imaging in off-centre installations.
Room Tuning Controls
The C265 includes two rear-panel switches to adapt its performance to the installation environment. A three-position high-frequency level control (+3 dB, 0 dB, -3 dB) compensates for room absorption or reflectivity, while a boundary compensation switch (on/off) attenuates bass reinforcement when the speaker is mounted near a wall or corner junction. Together with the pivoting tweeter, these controls allow the installer to fine-tune the speaker's output without external equalisation.
Installation
The C265 uses Monitor Audio's Tri-Grip fixing system for quick, secure mounting into a 211 mm circular cut-out. The overall diameter is 250 mm with a mounting depth of 114 mm, making it suitable for standard ceiling voids. The flush-fitting magnetic grille is paintable, allowing the speaker to blend seamlessly with the ceiling finish. Scrim material is provided for additional aesthetic integration. Connection is via two gold-plated spring-post terminals.
Core Range Positioning
The Core range was launched in 2017 as Monitor Audio's most versatile custom install series, comprising 14 architectural speakers across in-ceiling and in-wall configurations. The standard C265 is a 2-way design; for applications requiring greater midrange definition and sound localisation — such as Dolby Atmos height channels — the C265-IDC adds a dedicated 4-inch C-CAM RST inverted midrange driver in a pivoting IDC module, creating a true 3-way system. The C265-FX offers bipole/dipole operation for surround duties.