KEF CI130.2CR 5.25 Inch Shallow Round In-Ceiling Single Speaker

Wide KEF Sound for Shallow Ceiling Spaces

The KEF Ci130.2CR is a passive 5.25" round in-ceiling speaker sold individually, designed for whole-home music, bedrooms, kitchens, offices, hallways, and other spaces where installation depth is limited. Its Uni-Q driver places the tweeter at the acoustic center of the woofer to provide broad, even sound coverage from a compact ceiling opening.

With approximately 3.06" of required mounting depth and a 6.22" cutout, the Ci130.2CR is especially useful where larger or deeper architectural speakers may not fit.

Key Specifications

• Sold as: One speaker
• Speaker type: Passive in-ceiling architectural speaker
• LF driver: 130 mm (5.25") Uni-Q
• HF driver: 16 mm (0.6") aluminum dome tweeter with Tangerine Waveguide
• Nominal impedance: 8 Ω
• Sensitivity: 87 dB (2.83 V / 1 m)
• Frequency response: 52 Hz–20 kHz (±6 dB, open-backed)
• Frequency range: 45 Hz–45 kHz (-10 dB)
• Crossover frequency: 2.8 kHz
• Recommended amplifier power: 10–80 W
• Recommended high-pass filter: 55 Hz
• Nominal coverage: 140°
• Maximum SPL: 102 dB
• Certification: IP64

Who Should Choose the Ci130.2CR?

Choose the Ci130.2CR when you want discreet ceiling audio in a compact room or need to work around limited ceiling depth. Its 140° nominal coverage makes it especially useful for distributed-audio systems where broad sound dispersion matters more than maximum bass output.

For conventional stereo playback in one room, order two speakers. Larger areas may require additional speakers depending on ceiling height, room shape, listening level, and coverage goals.

Passive Speaker and Amplifier Requirements

The Ci130.2CR is completely passive. It does not include a built-in amplifier, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, streaming, or app control.

KEF recommends 10–80 W of amplifier power and specifies an 8-ohm nominal impedance. Use a compatible amplifier or AV receiver and appropriate in-wall rated speaker wire.

The 10–80 W figure is KEF's recommended amplifier range, not an RMS or peak power-handling specification.

Uni-Q With 140-Degree Coverage

The Ci130.2CR uses KEF's Uni-Q driver array, placing the 0.6" aluminum tweeter at the acoustic center of the 5.25" woofer. KEF also uses its Tangerine Waveguide to help control high-frequency dispersion.

KEF specifies approximately 140° nominal coverage, which is wider than the larger Ci160.2CR and helps distribute sound across a broad listening area from a single ceiling location.

Frequency Response and System Setup

KEF specifies a 52 Hz–20 kHz ±6 dB open-backed response and a broader 45 Hz–45 kHz range at -10 dB. The recommended high-pass filter is 55 Hz.

A subwoofer is not required for general background or whole-home audio, but it can provide deeper low-frequency extension if the system is intended for more demanding music or TV listening.

Shallow Installation

• External diameter: 193.4 mm (7.61")
• Overall depth: Approximately 82.3 mm (3.24")
• Cutout diameter: 158 mm (6.22")
• Mounting depth: Approximately 77.7 mm (3.06")
• Supported ceiling thickness: Approximately 6–33 mm (0.24–1.30")
• Net weight: Approximately 1.3 kg (2.8 lb)

Always confirm ceiling joists, electrical wiring, plumbing, HVAC, insulation, and available cavity depth before cutting the installation opening.

Optional Rough-In Frame and Rear Enclosure

KEF lists the RIF130R rough-in frame and RNC130R rear enclosure as optional accessories for the Ci130.2CR. Both are sold separately.

KEF specifies approximately 20 liters as the ideal rear volume and 12 liters as the minimum rear volume.

IP64 and Moisture Resistance

The Ci130.2CR is IP64 certified and uses moisture- and UV-resistant materials. This makes it more suitable for humid interior spaces such as kitchens and bathrooms than a speaker without environmental protection.

IP64 does not mean waterproof or suitable for immersion. The ceiling structure, wiring, and connected electronics must also be appropriate for the environment.

Paintable Magnetic Grille

The speaker uses KEF's Ultra-Thin Bezel design with a magnetic grille that can be painted to better match the surrounding ceiling finish.

What's Included?

• 1 KEF Ci130.2CR in-ceiling speaker
• Paintable magnetic grille
• Integrated mounting system
• Product documentation

The amplifier or AV receiver, speaker wire, RIF130R rough-in frame, RNC130R rear enclosure, and other installation materials are sold separately.

Complete Your Audio System

• In-Wall & In-Ceiling Speakers
• Amplifiers
• Speaker Wire

Need Help Planning Your Speaker Layout?

Send Bear Security Shop your room dimensions, ceiling height, amplifier model, and intended speaker quantity. We can help check coverage, amplifier compatibility, cutout requirements, and whether the Ci130.2CR is the right fit.

Is the KEF Ci130.2CR sold individually or as a pair?

It is sold individually. For conventional stereo playback, order two speakers.

Is the Ci130.2CR powered or passive?

It is passive and requires an external amplifier or AV receiver plus speaker wire.

What amplifier power does KEF recommend?

KEF recommends 10–80 W of amplifier power. This is an amplifier recommendation, not an RMS or peak power-handling rating.

What is the impedance?

The Ci130.2CR has an 8-ohm nominal impedance.

What is the frequency response?

KEF specifies 52 Hz–20 kHz at ±6 dB open-backed and a 45 Hz–45 kHz range at -10 dB.

How wide is the speaker's coverage?

KEF specifies approximately 140° nominal coverage.

What high-pass filter does KEF recommend?

KEF recommends a 55 Hz high-pass filter.

What cutout size is required?

The Ci130.2CR requires a 158 mm, or approximately 6.22", round cutout.

How much mounting depth is required?

KEF's current product page lists approximately 77.7 mm, or 3.06", of mounting depth.

What ceiling thickness does it support?

KEF's current product page lists approximately 6–33 mm, or 0.24–1.30".

Is the Ci130.2CR weather resistant?

It is IP64 certified and uses moisture- and UV-resistant materials. It should not be described as waterproof or suitable for submerged installation.

Is a rough-in frame available?

Yes. KEF lists the RIF130R rough-in frame as an optional accessory. It is sold separately.

Is a rear enclosure available?

Yes. KEF lists the RNC130R rear enclosure as an optional accessory. It is sold separately.

What rear volume does KEF recommend?

KEF specifies approximately 20 liters as ideal rear volume and 12 liters as the minimum.

What are the dimensions and weight?

The speaker measures approximately 7.61" in diameter × 3.24" deep and weighs approximately 2.8 lb.

What should I confirm before ordering?

Confirm speaker quantity, 8-ohm amplifier compatibility, the 6.22" cutout, approximately 3.06" mounting depth, available rear cavity volume, and speaker-wire routing.