KEF Ci3160RLM-THX 6.5" THX Certified Ultra In-Wall Architectural Speaker with Uni-Q MAT

The KEF Ci3160RLM-THX is an ultra-high-performance architectural loudspeaker engineered to deliver exceptional clarity, dynamic range and cinematic impact from a discreet in-wall installation. Part of KEF's premium R Series architectural range, this advanced speaker combines the 12th-generation Uni-Q driver array with Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) and two dedicated 160 mm (6.5") hybrid aluminium bass drivers to reproduce music and movie soundtracks with remarkable precision and authority.

Proudly carrying the THX Certified Ultra designation, the Ci3160RLM-THX is designed for demanding home theatre applications, including larger dedicated cinema rooms and premium living spaces. Its sophisticated three-way acoustic architecture delivers a wide, consistent soundstage, powerful low-frequency performance and accurate dialogue reproduction while maintaining the clean appearance of a professionally integrated architectural speaker.

With a frequency response of 43 Hz to 28 kHz (±6 dB), maximum acoustic output of 110 dB SPL and a broad 150-degree nominal coverage angle, the Ci3160RLM-THX delivers impressive scale and sonic detail. Its in-wall construction conceals an advanced high-performance loudspeaker system capable of reproducing the dynamics and subtle nuances of demanding movie soundtracks and high-resolution music recordings.

THX Certified Ultra Performance

The Ci3160RLM-THX has earned THX Certified Ultra status, demonstrating its ability to meet demanding performance standards for high-quality home theatre reproduction.

THX Ultra certification is designed for powerful, accurate sound reproduction in larger home theatre environments. The certification evaluates important aspects of loudspeaker performance, helping ensure the Ci3160RLM-THX can reproduce demanding cinematic soundtracks with clarity, controlled dynamics and consistent tonal balance.

This makes the Ci3160RLM-THX an excellent choice for premium left, centre and right channel installations where cinematic realism and high output capability are essential.

12th-Generation Uni-Q Driver Array

At the heart of the Ci3160RLM-THX is KEF's 12th-generation Uni-Q driver array, featuring a 160 mm (6.5") midrange driver with a 25 mm (1") vented aluminium dome tweeter positioned at its acoustic centre.

This point-source arrangement allows the midrange and high-frequency drivers to radiate sound from a more unified acoustic location, improving timing alignment and creating a coherent soundstage.

The Uni-Q configuration also helps distribute sound more evenly across the listening area, enlarging the effective sweet spot and providing consistent tonal characteristics for listeners seated away from the central axis.

Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT)

The Ci3160RLM-THX incorporates KEF's groundbreaking Metamaterial Absorption Technology, developed jointly with Acoustic Metamaterials Group.

MAT uses a complex, maze-like structure positioned behind the tweeter to absorb unwanted sound energy generated from the rear of the driver. Each carefully engineered channel is designed to absorb specific frequencies, allowing the combined structure to function as an advanced acoustic absorber.

This technology absorbs approximately 99% of unwanted rearward sound energy, dramatically reducing the internal reflections that can interfere with high-frequency reproduction.

By minimizing these unwanted acoustic effects, MAT helps the Ci3160RLM-THX reproduce greater detail, clearer vocals and a more natural, transparent sound.

Dual 6.5-Inch Hybrid Aluminium Bass Drivers

The Ci3160RLM-THX features two dedicated 160 mm (6.5") hybrid aluminium bass drivers designed to deliver powerful, controlled and articulate low-frequency reproduction.

The hybrid aluminium driver construction combines rigidity with carefully controlled cone behaviour, allowing the woofers to reproduce demanding bass passages with precision while minimizing unwanted distortion.

Using two dedicated bass drivers provides substantial radiating surface area and improved dynamic capability, allowing the Ci3160RLM-THX to reproduce powerful cinematic effects and full-bodied musical performances without relying on a conventional floorstanding enclosure.

Advanced Three-Way Acoustic Architecture

The Ci3160RLM-THX uses a sophisticated three-way acoustic design that distributes different frequency ranges across specialized driver sections.

The two 6.5-inch bass drivers handle low-frequency reproduction, the dedicated 6.5-inch Uni-Q midrange driver reproduces vocals and instrumental detail, and the centrally positioned 1-inch aluminium dome tweeter handles high-frequency information.

Crossover frequencies of 640 Hz and 2.6 kHz provide controlled transitions between the bass, midrange and treble sections, helping maintain a balanced acoustic presentation throughout the speaker's operating range.

Exceptional Dynamic Range and Output

With a maximum acoustic output of 110 dB SPL measured at one metre, the Ci3160RLM-THX is engineered to deliver the dynamics required for demanding home theatre soundtracks.

Its dedicated bass drivers and high-performance Uni-Q array reproduce powerful effects, complex musical passages and subtle soundtrack details while maintaining excellent control and clarity.

The speaker's 89 dB sensitivity and recommended amplifier power of 50 to 350 watts provide flexibility for integration with appropriately matched high-performance AV receivers and separate power amplifiers.

Wide 150-Degree Sound Coverage

KEF's Uni-Q technology contributes to the Ci3160RLM-THX's broad 150-degree nominal coverage angle, allowing sound to be distributed consistently throughout the listening area.

This wide dispersion helps maintain tonal balance and intelligibility across multiple seating positions, making the speaker particularly suitable for larger home theatres and entertainment rooms.

By reducing variations in sound character between listening positions, the Ci3160RLM-THX creates a more cohesive and immersive audio experience for everyone in the room.

Extended Frequency Response

The Ci3160RLM-THX delivers a specified open-backed frequency response of 43 Hz to 28 kHz (±6 dB), providing substantial low-frequency extension and detailed treble reproduction.

Its extended frequency range reaches from 33 Hz to 45 kHz at the -10 dB points, demonstrating the capabilities of its advanced driver arrangement.

For the deepest cinematic bass and dedicated low-frequency effects, the Ci3160RLM-THX can be integrated with a compatible powered subwoofer as part of a complete multichannel home theatre system.

Designed for Premium In-Wall Installation

The Ci3160RLM-THX is engineered for permanent architectural installation, providing the performance of a substantial high-end loudspeaker while remaining integrated into the wall.

Its overall dimensions of 680 x 230 x 105.7 mm (26.77 x 9.06 x 4.16") allow the speaker to accommodate its sophisticated driver configuration within a compact architectural format.

The required wall cutout measures 660 x 209 mm (25.98 x 8.23"), while the mounting depth from the finished surface is 99 mm (3.9").

The mounting system accommodates wall material thicknesses between 6 mm (0.24") and 40 mm (1.58"), providing installation flexibility across suitable wall constructions.

Optimized Rear Cavity Requirements

The acoustic performance of an architectural loudspeaker is influenced by the volume of the cavity behind its drivers. Providing suitable rear volume allows the speaker to achieve its intended low-frequency response and dynamic performance.

KEF specifies an ideal rear cavity volume of 60 litres (2.12 cubic feet) for the Ci3160RLM-THX.

Installation planning should account for the available wall depth, rear cavity volume, structural requirements and appropriate speaker placement to ensure the system delivers its intended acoustic performance.

Professional Installation Accessories

The Ci3160RLM-THX includes installation accessories designed to assist with accurate positioning and secure mounting.

A supplied metal grille provides a clean architectural finish, while the included cutout template helps installers prepare the required opening.

Four gaskets, three wall protection tapes and a hex drill tool are also provided to support installation and help protect the surrounding wall surfaces.

Designed for KEF Extreme Home Theatre Systems

The Ci3160RLM-THX is part of KEF's Extreme Home Theatre architectural speaker range, developed for installations demanding exceptional acoustic performance without visible freestanding loudspeakers.

Its THX Certified Ultra performance, 12th-generation Uni-Q technology and dual dedicated bass drivers make it suitable for high-performance front-channel reproduction in premium home cinema systems.

When combined with compatible KEF architectural surround speakers, height channels and subwoofers, the Ci3160RLM-THX can serve as a foundation for a sophisticated, fully integrated multichannel home theatre.

Features:

• Ultra-high-performance architectural in-wall loudspeaker from KEF's R Series
• THX Certified Ultra for demanding home theatre applications
• Advanced three-way acoustic architecture
• 12th-generation 160 mm (6.5") Uni-Q midrange driver array
• 25 mm (1") vented aluminium dome tweeter with Metamaterial Absorption Technology
• MAT absorbs approximately 99% of unwanted rearward tweeter sound energy
• Two dedicated 160 mm (6.5") hybrid aluminium bass drivers
• Point-source Uni-Q design for coherent sound reproduction
• Wide 150-degree nominal coverage angle
• Frequency response of 43 Hz to 28 kHz (±6 dB), open-backed
• Extended frequency range of 33 Hz to 45 kHz (-10 dB)
• Maximum acoustic output of 110 dB SPL at one metre
• 89 dB sensitivity (2.83V/1m)
• 4-ohm nominal impedance
• Recommended amplifier power of 50 to 350 watts
• Crossover frequencies of 640 Hz and 2.6 kHz
• Designed for premium left, centre and right home theatre channels
• Suitable for large home theatres and high-performance living room installations
• Discreet in-wall design with metal grille
• 99 mm (3.9") mounting depth from finished wall surface
• Compatible with wall material thicknesses from 6 to 40 mm
• Ideal rear cavity volume of 60 litres
• Includes cutout template and installation accessories
• Designed for KEF Extreme Home Theatre systems

Specifications:

General

• Brand: KEF
• Model: Ci3160RLM-THX
• Series: R Series
• Product Type: Passive Architectural In-Wall Loudspeaker
• Speaker Configuration: Three-Way
• Installation Type: Recessed In-Wall
• Certification: THX Certified Ultra
• Quantity: Each (1 Speaker)

Driver Configuration

• Low-Frequency Drivers: 2 x 160 mm (6.5") Hybrid Aluminium Bass Drivers
• Midrange Driver: 1 x 160 mm (6.5") 12th-Generation Uni-Q
• High-Frequency Driver: 1 x 25 mm (1") Vented Aluminium Dome Tweeter
• High-Frequency Technology: Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT)
• Driver Array: 12th-Generation Uni-Q with MAT

Acoustic Performance

• Frequency Response (±6 dB), Open-Backed: 43 Hz - 28 kHz
• Frequency Range (-10 dB): 33 Hz - 45 kHz
• Sensitivity: 89 dB (2.83V/1m)
• Nominal Impedance: 4 Ohms
• Nominal Coverage: 150 Degrees
• Maximum SPL: 110 dB at 1 m
• Crossover Frequencies: 640 Hz, 2.6 kHz

Amplification

• Speaker Type: Passive
• Recommended Amplifier Power: 50 - 350 W
• External Amplification Required: Yes
• Amplifier Compatibility: Suitable Amplifier Rated for 4-Ohm Loudspeaker Loads

Acoustic Technologies

• Uni-Q Technology: 12th Generation
• Metamaterial Absorption Technology: Yes
• MAT Absorption Performance: Approximately 99% of Unwanted Rearward Tweeter Sound Energy
• Bass Driver Construction: Hybrid Aluminium
• THX Certification: THX Certified Ultra

Mounting & Installation

• Installation Orientation: In-Wall Architectural Installation
• Cutout Dimensions (H x W): 660 x 209 mm (25.98 x 8.23")
• Mounting Depth from Surface: 99 mm (3.90")
• Minimum Mounting Thickness: 6 mm (0.24")
• Maximum Mounting Thickness: 40 mm (1.58")
• Ideal Rear Volume: 60 Litres (2.12 cu. ft.)
• Grille Type: Metal Grille
• Installation Template: Included

Dimensions & Weight

• External Dimensions (H x W x D): 680 x 230 x 105.7 mm (26.77 x 9.06 x 4.16")
• Cutout Height: 660 mm (25.98")
• Cutout Width: 209 mm (8.23")
• Required Mounting Depth: 99 mm (3.90")
• Net Weight: 12 kg (26.4 lbs)

What's in the Box:

• 1 x KEF Ci3160RLM-THX Architectural In-Wall Speaker
• 1 x Metal Grille
• 1 x Cutout Template
• 4 x Gaskets
• 1 x Hex Drill Tool
• 3 x Wall Protection Tapes
• 1 x User Manual