Square in-wall or in-ceiling speaker with 160 mm Uni-Q® driver
The KEF Ci160ES is a square two-way in-wall/in-ceiling speaker from the Ci-E series, designed to offer reference KEF audio quality at exceptional value, with the same build standards as the British brand's entire architectural range. Sold as a pair, it features a 160 mm (6.5") woofer with a 16 mm (0.6") aluminium dome tweeter in a Uni-Q® configuration, for a frequency response from 52 Hz to 20 kHz and a nominal coverage of 110°. The Ultra-Thin Bezel (UTB) and the paintable magnetic grille ensure discreet visual integration, while the IP64 rating makes it suitable for environments exposed to humidity and UV rays as well, such as bathrooms and kitchens. The optional RIF160S pre-installation frame and the optional RNC160S rear enclosure complete the installation options.
Uni-Q®: uncompromising KEF quality at every listening position
The 160 mm Uni-Q® driver places the 16 mm aluminium dome tweeter exactly at the acoustic centre of the woofer, so that the two act as a single point source. KEF's "sit anywhere" technology eliminates the narrow sweet spot typical of conventional speakers, delivering KEF's renowned sonic clarity to every listener regardless of their position in the room. The nominal coverage of 110° ensures wide, even dispersion, particularly useful for covering large areas with a small number of speakers.
Professional specifications for demanding installations
With a sensitivity of 89 dB, a maximum SPL of 104 dB, a response that reaches down to 52 Hz and compatibility with amplifiers from 10 to 100 W into 8 Ω, the Ci160ES offers a high dynamic reserve suited to both residential and commercial environments. The recommended high-pass filter at 50 Hz and the specified enclosure volumes — ideal 35 L, minimum 20 L — give installers the parameters needed to optimise bass performance when designing the system.
Flexible in-wall or in-ceiling installation with dedicated accessories
With external dimensions of 223 × 223 mm and a depth of 88.7 mm, the Ci160ES requires a cut-out of 194 × 194 mm and a mounting depth from the surface of 85.2 mm. The optional RIF160S pre-installation frame simplifies fitting during the construction phase, while the optional RNC160S rear enclosure improves low-frequency response and acoustic isolation from the cavity, with an ideal volume of 35 L.
Reference performance at the value of the Ci-E series
The Ci160ES is intended for those looking for KEF's reference technologies — Uni-Q®, Ultra-Thin Bezel and Weather Resistant construction with IP64 rating — on exceptionally accessible terms. Sold as a pair, it is the ideal solution for residential and commercial installations where a 160 mm woofer has to cover medium and large rooms with full sonic authority. It sits in the KEF Ci-E series alongside the round Ci160ER model and the 8-inch Ci200ER format, ensuring the same Uni-Q® sound signature at every point of the installation.
Technical specifications
| Type |
Square two-way in-wall/in-ceiling speaker |
| Series |
Ci-E |
| Sold as |
Pair |
| Drivers |
LF: 160 mm (6.5") Uni-Q® • HF: 16 mm (0.6") aluminium dome |
| Technology |
Uni-Q® driver array, Ultra-Thin Bezel (UTB) |
| Frequency response (±6 dB) |
52 Hz – 20 kHz (open backed) |
| Frequency response (−10 dB) |
46 Hz – 45 kHz |
| Nominal coverage |
110° |
| Maximum SPL |
104 dB |
| Crossover frequency |
2.8 kHz |
| Sensitivity |
89 dB (2.83 V / 1 m) |
| Nominal impedance |
8 Ω |
| Recommended amplifier power |
10 – 100 W |
| Recommended high-pass filter |
50 Hz |
| External dimensions (H × W × D) |
223 × 223 × 88.7 mm |
| Cut-out dimensions (H × W) |
194 × 194 mm |
| Mounting depth |
85.2 mm |
| Ideal rear volume |
35 L |
| Minimum rear volume |
20 L |
| Optional pre-installation frame |
RIF160S |
| Optional rear enclosure |
RNC160S |
| Certification |
IP64 (Weather Resistant) |
| Grille |
Magnetic, paintable |
| Net weight |
1.4 kg (per unit) |
