KEF Ci160TS 4.5" Ultra-Slim Two-Way Square In-Ceiling Architectural Speaker WHITE

The KEF Ci160TS is an ultra-slim architectural speaker designed to deliver detailed, natural and widely dispersed sound in installations where ceiling depth is extremely limited. Part of KEF's T Series architectural range, the Ci160TS combines a patented 115 mm (4.5") low-profile bass/midrange driver with a 25 mm (1") vented aluminium tweeter featuring KEF's Tangerine Waveguide technology.

With an overall depth of just 41 mm (1.61") and a mounting depth of less than 36 mm (1.42"), the Ci160TS provides an ideal solution for shallow ceiling cavities where conventional architectural speakers cannot be installed. Its square design, ultra-thin bezel and paintable magnetic grille allow it to blend discreetly into contemporary residential and commercial interiors.

Engineered with moisture-resistant components, UV-protected materials and IP64 certification, the Ci160TS is also suitable for appropriate installations in bathrooms, pool areas and marine environments. With 160-degree nominal sound coverage, it delivers consistent audio reproduction across a wide listening area, making it an excellent choice for distributed audio, home theatre and custom architectural sound systems.

Ultra-Slim Architectural Design

The Ci160TS is specifically engineered for applications where mounting depth is a critical consideration. Its exceptionally shallow construction is made possible by KEF's patented low-profile driver technology, allowing the speaker to deliver impressive acoustic performance from an enclosure measuring only 41 mm (1.61") deep.

Requiring less than 36 mm (1.42") of mounting depth from the installation surface, the Ci160TS can fit into suitable shallow ceiling cavities that cannot accommodate conventional architectural loudspeakers.

This makes it particularly useful for modern residential construction, renovations, luxury interiors and installations where available ceiling space is restricted.

Patented 115 mm Low-Profile Bass/Midrange Driver

The Ci160TS incorporates a specially engineered 115 mm (4.5") dual-layer bass/midrange driver developed to provide accurate sound reproduction within an exceptionally shallow mounting profile.

Unlike conventional speaker drivers that require substantial enclosure depth, KEF's patented low-profile design maintains effective bass and midrange performance while significantly reducing the space required behind the mounting surface.

The result is clear vocal reproduction, detailed musical information and controlled low-frequency output from a discreet architectural speaker.

25 mm Vented Aluminium Tweeter

A high-performance 25 mm (1") vented aluminium tweeter reproduces detailed high frequencies with clarity and precision. Its vented construction helps support accurate high-frequency performance while maintaining the compact dimensions of the speaker assembly.

The tweeter operates with a 1.7 kHz crossover frequency, providing smooth integration with the bass/midrange driver for natural and balanced sound reproduction.

KEF Tangerine Waveguide Technology

The Ci160TS incorporates KEF's Tangerine Waveguide, a specially engineered acoustic structure positioned in front of the tweeter.

In addition to protecting the high-frequency driver, the Tangerine Waveguide improves sound dispersion and helps deliver consistent high-frequency reproduction across a wider listening area.

With a nominal coverage angle of 160 degrees, the Ci160TS provides broad sound distribution, making it particularly effective for architectural installations where listeners may be positioned throughout the room rather than directly beneath the speaker.

Ultra-Thin Bezel for Discreet Integration

KEF's Ultra-Thin Bezel (UTB) design minimizes the visible border surrounding the speaker grille, creating a clean, contemporary appearance once installed.

The carefully engineered ABS bezel measures no more than 5 mm in width while maintaining the structural rigidity required for reliable installation.

This slim-profile construction allows the Ci160TS to integrate naturally into modern ceiling designs without drawing unnecessary attention to the loudspeaker.

Paintable Magnetic Grille

The Ci160TS features a paintable magnetic grille designed to provide a secure attachment while maintaining a refined architectural appearance.

The grille attaches using a powerful magnetic system, allowing convenient removal for installation and maintenance without visible fastening hardware.

Its paintable surface can be finished to complement the surrounding ceiling, helping the speaker blend discreetly into the room's interior design.

Flexible Mounting System

The Ci160TS provides two installation methods to accommodate different mounting surfaces and construction requirements.

Traditional dog-leg mounting tabs allow the speaker to be secured within a properly prepared ceiling opening, while provisions for direct screw mounting provide an alternative for suitable solid mounting surfaces.

The square speaker assembly requires a 194 x 194 mm (7.64 x 7.64") cutout and features external dimensions of 222.8 x 222.8 mm (8.77 x 8.77").

For installations planned during construction or renovation, the optional KEF RIF160S rough-in frame and RNC160S rear enclosure provide additional installation options. Both accessories are sold separately.

Moisture-Resistant and UV-Protected Construction

The Ci160TS is engineered using moisture-resistant components and UV-protected materials to improve durability in demanding installation environments.

KEF uses a proprietary plating and powder-coating process to protect selected components against environmental exposure, making the speaker suitable for appropriate installations in bathrooms, indoor pool areas and marine environments.

This additional protection allows the Ci160TS to be considered for architectural audio applications where conventional indoor loudspeakers may not provide sufficient environmental resistance.

IP64 Certified Protection

The Ci160TS has undergone official IEC testing and carries an IP64 ingress protection rating.

This certification indicates dust-tight protection and resistance to splashing water from multiple directions. The speaker's construction is designed to prevent harmful effects from the water exposure conditions covered by this rating.

IP64 protection does not indicate suitability for full immersion or direct high-pressure water jets. Installation should follow KEF's instructions and applicable local building requirements.

Wide Sound Coverage for Distributed Audio

With its 160-degree nominal coverage angle, the Ci160TS is designed to distribute sound broadly throughout the listening area.

This characteristic is especially valuable in multi-room audio systems, kitchens, living spaces, hallways and commercial installations where consistent coverage is more important than a narrowly focused listening position.

The combination of KEF's low-profile driver technology and Tangerine Waveguide helps maintain clear, balanced reproduction across a large portion of the room.

Optimized Rear Cavity Performance

The acoustic performance of an architectural speaker is influenced by the volume of the space behind the driver.

KEF specifies an ideal rear cavity volume of 3 litres (0.106 cu. ft.) and a minimum rear cavity volume of 1 litre (0.035 cu. ft.) for the Ci160TS.

Providing an appropriate rear volume helps the speaker achieve its intended acoustic performance while maintaining the shallow installation dimensions that make it suitable for restricted spaces.

Designed for Compatible Amplifiers

The Ci160TS is a passive loudspeaker intended for use with compatible external amplification. It features an 8-ohm nominal impedance and 87 dB sensitivity measured at 2.83V/1m.

KEF recommends amplifier power between 10 and 100 watts, providing flexibility for residential stereo systems, multi-room amplifiers and appropriately configured home theatre receivers.

A recommended 70 Hz high-pass filter can be used to help manage low-frequency demands and integrate the speaker with a compatible subwoofer system.

Performance and Frequency Response

The Ci160TS delivers a specified open-backed frequency response of 110 Hz to 24 kHz (±6 dB), with an extended frequency range of 69 Hz to 45 kHz at the -10 dB points.

With a maximum acoustic output of 101 dB SPL, the speaker provides capable dynamic performance for its compact dimensions, while the wide-dispersion tweeter helps maintain consistent sound throughout the listening environment.

Features:

• Ultra-slim two-way square architectural speaker for in-ceiling installation
• Patented 115 mm (4.5") dual-layer low-profile bass/midrange driver
• 25 mm (1") vented aluminium high-frequency tweeter
• KEF Tangerine Waveguide for enhanced dispersion and high-frequency performance
• Wide 160-degree nominal sound coverage
• Exceptionally shallow mounting depth of less than 36 mm (1.42")
• Overall speaker depth of only 41 mm (1.61")
• KEF Ultra-Thin Bezel (UTB) design
• Paintable magnetic grille for discreet architectural integration
• Durable UV-protected ABS baffle and bezel
• Moisture-resistant construction with protective plating and powder coating
• IP64 certified protection against dust and splashing water
• Suitable for appropriately designed bathroom, pool-area and marine installations
• Dog-leg mounting tabs for secure recessed installation
• Alternative direct screw mounting for suitable solid surfaces
• Frequency response of 110 Hz to 24 kHz (±6 dB)
• Extended frequency range of 69 Hz to 45 kHz (-10 dB)
• 1.7 kHz crossover frequency
• Maximum acoustic output of 101 dB SPL
• 8-ohm nominal impedance with 87 dB sensitivity
• Recommended amplifier power of 10 to 100 watts
• Recommended 70 Hz high-pass filter
• Ideal rear cavity volume of 3 litres
• Compatible with optional KEF RIF160S rough-in frame
• Compatible with optional KEF RNC160S rear enclosure
• Square White architectural finish

Specifications:

General

• Brand: KEF
• Model: Ci160TS
• Series: Ci-T / T Series
• Product Type: Passive Architectural In-Ceiling Speaker
• Speaker Design: Two-Way
• Grille Shape: Square
• Colour: White
• Quantity: Each (1 Speaker)

Driver & Acoustic Performance

• Low-Frequency Driver: 1 x 115 mm (4.5") Dual-Layer Low-Profile Driver
• High-Frequency Driver: 1 x 25 mm (1") Vented Aluminium Tweeter
• Tweeter Technology: KEF Tangerine Waveguide
• Frequency Response (±6 dB), Open-Backed: 110 Hz - 24 kHz
• Frequency Range (-10 dB): 69 Hz - 45 kHz
• Nominal Coverage: 160 Degrees
• Maximum Acoustic Output: 101 dB SPL
• Crossover Frequency: 1.7 kHz
• Sensitivity: 87 dB (2.83V/1m)
• Nominal Impedance: 8 Ohms

Amplification

• Speaker Type: Passive
• Recommended Amplifier Power: 10 - 100 W
• Recommended High-Pass Filter: 70 Hz
• External Amplification Required: Yes

Construction & Materials

• Bezel Technology: KEF Ultra-Thin Bezel (UTB)
• Bezel Material: UV-Protected ABS
• Bezel Width: No More Than 5 mm (0.20")
• Grille Type: Paintable Magnetic Grille
• Grille Attachment: Magnetic
• Environmental Protection: Moisture-Resistant Components
• Protective Treatment: Proprietary Plating and Powder Coating
• UV Protection: Yes

Environmental Protection

• Ingress Protection Rating: IP64
• Certification: IEC Tested
• Dust Protection: Dust-Tight (IP6X)
• Water Protection: Protected Against Splashing Water (IPX4)
• Suitable Applications: Residential Interiors, Bathrooms, Indoor Pool Areas and Appropriate Marine Installations

Mounting & Installation

• Installation Type: Flush-Mount Architectural Installation
• Primary Mounting Location: Ceiling
• Mounting System: Dog-Leg Tabs or Direct Screw Mounting to Suitable Solid Surfaces
• Mounting Depth from Surface: Less Than 36 mm (1.42")
• Cutout Dimensions (H x W): 194 x 194 mm (7.64 x 7.64")
• Ideal Rear Volume: 3 Litres (0.106 cu. ft.)
• Minimum Rear Volume: 1 Litre (0.035 cu. ft.)
• Optional Rough-In Frame: KEF RIF160S (Sold Separately)
• Optional Rear Enclosure: KEF RNC160S (Sold Separately)

Dimensions & Weight

• Overall Dimensions (H x W x D): 222.8 x 222.8 x 41 mm (8.77 x 8.77 x 1.61")
• Cutout Dimensions (H x W): 194 x 194 mm (7.64 x 7.64")
• Required Mounting Depth: Less Than 36 mm (1.42")
• Net Weight: 1.05 kg (2.31 lbs)

What's in the Box:

• 1 x KEF Ci160TS Ultra-Slim Square Architectural Speaker - White
• 1 x Paintable Magnetic Grille