KEF Ci3160RLb-THX Triple 6.5" THX Certified Ultra In-Wall Architectural Subwoofer

The KEF Ci3160RLb-THX is an ultra-high-performance architectural subwoofer engineered to deliver powerful, deep and precise bass from a discreet in-wall installation. Part of KEF's premium Ci-R Series and Extreme Home Theatre range, this formidable subwoofer combines three high-output 160 mm (6.5") low-frequency drivers with a massive aluminium baffle to reproduce the dramatic low-frequency effects and musical detail of a traditional high-performance subwoofer without occupying valuable floor space.

Designed for demanding home theatre environments, the Ci3160RLb-THX carries THX Certified Ultra and Select designations, reflecting its ability to deliver exceptional bass performance in sophisticated cinema installations. Its three dedicated sub-bass drivers provide substantial low-frequency output, creating the impact, depth and emotional intensity required for realistic movie soundtracks and immersive multichannel entertainment.

The Ci3160RLb-THX is specifically engineered for use with the KEF KASA500 system amplifier, which provides the dedicated amplification and digital signal processing required for optimal operation. A single KASA500 can power up to two Ci3160RLb-THX subwoofers, allowing installers to create powerful multi-subwoofer configurations with improved bass distribution throughout the listening environment.

THX Certified Ultra and Select Performance

The Ci3160RLb-THX is engineered to meet the demanding acoustic requirements of KEF's Extreme Home Theatre installations. Its THX Ultra and Select certifications demonstrate its ability to deliver high-quality low-frequency reproduction for serious home cinema applications.

THX certification evaluates critical aspects of audio performance, including output capability, distortion and frequency response. The Ci3160RLb-THX is designed to reproduce powerful cinematic bass effects while preserving the clarity, control and dynamics required for an engaging theatre experience.

Whether reproducing explosive action sequences, atmospheric low-frequency effects or the subtle bass details of a musical soundtrack, the Ci3160RLb-THX provides the foundation for a convincing home theatre presentation.

Three High-Output 6.5-Inch Sub-Bass Drivers

At the heart of the Ci3160RLb-THX are three specially engineered 160 mm (6.5") low-frequency drivers. This triple-driver configuration provides substantial combined radiating surface area, allowing the subwoofer to move significant volumes of air while maintaining a relatively narrow architectural profile.

The drivers are designed to reproduce demanding low-frequency signals with power and precision, providing the depth and dynamic impact associated with larger conventional subwoofer systems.

By distributing acoustic output across three dedicated drivers, the Ci3160RLb-THX achieves impressive low-frequency performance while remaining integrated within a compact in-wall structure.

Massive Aluminium Baffle Construction

The Ci3160RLb-THX incorporates a substantial aluminium baffle that provides a rigid structural foundation for its three high-output bass drivers.

High-output subwoofer drivers generate significant mechanical forces during demanding playback. The rigid aluminium structure helps support the driver assemblies and maintain controlled operation, reducing unwanted structural movement that could compromise bass accuracy.

This robust construction contributes to the subwoofer's substantial 10.9 kg (24.1 lbs) weight and reflects its design for serious high-performance architectural audio installations.

Deep Bass Extension to 20 Hz

The Ci3160RLb-THX delivers a specified open-backed frequency response of 20 Hz to 140 Hz (±6 dB), allowing it to reproduce extremely low-frequency content found in cinematic soundtracks and demanding music recordings.

Bass frequencies approaching 20 Hz contribute substantially to the physical impact of explosions, atmospheric effects and deep musical passages. The Ci3160RLb-THX is engineered to reproduce this low-frequency information while maintaining the controlled character expected from a premium KEF subwoofer.

Its dedicated sub-bass design makes it an ideal complement to compatible KEF architectural loudspeakers, extending system performance beyond the capabilities of conventional in-wall speakers.

Dedicated KEF KASA500 Amplification

The Ci3160RLb-THX must be powered by the KEF KASA500 system amplifier, a dedicated amplification and signal processing solution engineered for compatible KEF architectural subwoofers.

The KASA500 provides the power and digital signal processing required to optimize the Ci3160RLb-THX's low-frequency performance. Its specialized processing helps coordinate driver output, frequency response and system operation for accurate and controlled bass reproduction.

The Ci3160RLb-THX is a passive subwoofer and does not include a built-in amplifier. The KEF KASA500 is required for operation and is sold separately.

Dual-Subwoofer Capability

For demanding home theatre installations, a single KEF KASA500 amplifier can power up to two Ci3160RLb-THX subwoofers.

Using multiple properly positioned subwoofers can improve the distribution of low-frequency energy throughout the listening environment, helping reduce variations in bass response between different seating positions.

This flexibility makes the Ci3160RLb-THX particularly suitable for larger cinema rooms and custom installations where consistent bass performance across several listening positions is a priority.

Designed for KEF Extreme Home Theatre Systems

The Ci3160RLb-THX is part of KEF's Extreme Home Theatre architectural range, designed to bring true cinema-quality sound into residential environments without requiring large visible loudspeaker enclosures.

It can be integrated with compatible KEF architectural front, centre, surround and height speakers to create a complete multichannel system.

Its dedicated low-frequency reproduction complements full-range architectural speakers, allowing them to focus on midrange and high-frequency information while the Ci3160RLb-THX handles demanding bass content and low-frequency effects.

Discreet High-Performance In-Wall Installation

Unlike traditional freestanding subwoofers, the Ci3160RLb-THX is designed for permanent installation inside a suitable wall cavity. Its architectural configuration allows substantial bass performance without occupying floor space or disrupting the appearance of the listening room.

The subwoofer requires a wall cutout measuring 660 x 209 mm (25.98 x 8.23") and a mounting depth of 88.5 mm (3.48") from the finished surface.

These dimensions allow the triple-driver assembly to be installed into a properly prepared wall structure while retaining the clean appearance of an integrated architectural audio system.

Professional Installation and System Planning

The Ci3160RLb-THX is intended for carefully planned architectural installations where structural support, mounting depth and acoustic performance are important considerations.

Its substantial aluminium baffle and 10.9 kg (24.1 lbs) weight should be accounted for when preparing the mounting location. Proper installation helps maintain secure support for the high-output driver assembly during demanding low-frequency playback.

For optimal performance, the subwoofer should be installed and configured according to KEF's requirements for the Ci3160RLb-THX and KASA500 amplifier combination.

Powerful Bass for Premium Home Cinema

The Ci3160RLb-THX is designed to reproduce the low-frequency foundation that gives cinematic soundtracks their impact and realism. Its triple-driver architecture, rigid construction and dedicated KASA500 amplification provide a sophisticated solution for demanding home theatre installations.

Whether used as a single in-wall subwoofer or as part of a dual-subwoofer configuration, the Ci3160RLb-THX delivers deep bass capability while preserving the clean architectural appearance of a fully integrated entertainment system.

Features:

• Ultra-high-performance architectural in-wall subwoofer from KEF's Ci-R Series
• THX Certified Ultra and Select for demanding home theatre applications
• Three dedicated 160 mm (6.5") high-output sub-bass drivers
• Massive aluminium baffle for rigid driver support
• Designed to deliver powerful, controlled low-frequency reproduction
• Open-backed frequency response of 20 Hz to 140 Hz (±6 dB)
• 92 dB sensitivity measured at 2.83V/1m
• 4-ohm nominal impedance
• Specifically engineered for use with the KEF KASA500 system amplifier
• Dedicated KASA500 amplification and digital signal processing required
• One KASA500 amplifier can power up to two Ci3160RLb-THX subwoofers
• Supports single- and dual-subwoofer architectural installations
• Designed for premium dedicated home theatres and larger cinema rooms
• Compatible with KEF Extreme Home Theatre architectural speaker systems
• Discreet in-wall installation eliminates the need for a freestanding cabinet
• Narrow vertical configuration accommodates three dedicated bass drivers
• Wall cutout dimensions of 660 x 209 mm (25.98 x 8.23")
• Mounting depth of 88.5 mm (3.48")
• Robust construction weighing 10.9 kg (24.1 lbs)
• KEF KASA500 amplifier sold separately

Specifications:

General

• Brand: KEF
• Model: Ci3160RLb-THX
• Series: Ci-R Series
• Product Type: Passive Architectural In-Wall Subwoofer
• Installation Type: Recessed In-Wall
• Certification: THX Certified Ultra and Select
• Quantity: Each (1 Subwoofer)
• Required External Amplifier: KEF KASA500 (Sold Separately)

Driver Configuration

• Driver Type: Dedicated Low-Frequency / Sub-Bass
• Driver Configuration: Triple High-Output Bass Drivers
• Low-Frequency Drivers: 3 x 160 mm (6.5")
• Driver Mounting Structure: Aluminium Baffle

Acoustic Performance

• Frequency Response (±6 dB), Open-Backed: 20 Hz - 140 Hz
• Sensitivity: 92 dB (2.83V/1m)
• Nominal Impedance: 4 Ohms
• THX Certification: Ultra and Select

Amplification & System Integration

• Subwoofer Type: Passive
• Required Amplifier: KEF KASA500 System Amplifier
• Amplifier Included: No
• Signal Processing: Dedicated KEF KASA500 DSP
• Supported Configuration: Up to 2 x Ci3160RLb-THX Subwoofers per KASA500
• Application: Dedicated Low-Frequency Effects and Bass Reproduction
• Compatible Systems: KEF Extreme Home Theatre Architectural Speaker Systems

Construction & Installation

• Installation Orientation: In-Wall Architectural Installation
• Baffle Material: Aluminium
• Cutout Height: 660 mm (25.98")
• Cutout Width: 209 mm (8.23")
• Mounting Depth from Surface: 88.5 mm (3.48")
• Installation Requirements: Suitable Wall Structure and KEF KASA500 Amplifier

Dimensions & Weight

• Cutout Dimensions (H x W): 660 x 209 mm (25.98 x 8.23")
• Required Mounting Depth: 88.5 mm (3.48")
• Net Weight: 10.9 kg (24.1 lbs)

What's in the Box:

• 1 x KEF Ci3160RLb-THX Triple 6.5" In-Wall Architectural Subwoofer