KEF CI130ER 5.25 Inch Compact Round In-Ceiling Single Speaker

Compact KEF In-Ceiling Sound for Smaller Rooms and Audio Zones

The KEF Ci130ER is a pair of passive 5.25" round in-ceiling speakers designed for bedrooms, kitchens, offices, hallways, whole-home audio, and other spaces where a compact ceiling opening and broad sound coverage are important.

Each speaker uses KEF's Uni-Q driver array, placing the tweeter at the acoustic center of the woofer to help distribute sound more consistently across the listening area.

Key Specifications

• Sold as: Pair, 2 speakers
• Speaker type: Passive in-ceiling architectural speaker
• LF driver: 130 mm (5.25") Uni-Q
• HF driver: 16 mm (0.6") aluminum dome tweeter
• Nominal impedance: 8 Ω
• Sensitivity: 87 dB (2.83 V / 1 m)
• Frequency response: 52 Hz–20 kHz (±6 dB, open-backed)
• Frequency range: 44 Hz–45 kHz (-10 dB)
• Crossover frequency: 2.8 kHz
• Recommended amplifier power: 10–80 W
• Recommended high-pass filter: 55 Hz
• Nominal coverage: 135°
• Maximum SPL: 102 dB
• Certification: IP64

Who Should Choose the Ci130ER?

Choose the Ci130ER when you want discreet stereo or distributed audio from a compact ceiling speaker. The 135° nominal coverage makes it particularly useful in smaller rooms and multi-room systems where broad dispersion is more important than maximum bass output.

If you need deeper bass, higher output, or coverage for a larger room, a larger KEF architectural speaker may be a better fit.

Passive Speaker and Amplifier Requirements

The Ci130ER 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 135-Degree Coverage

The Ci130ER combines a 5.25" low-frequency driver with a 0.6" aluminum tweeter in KEF's Uni-Q configuration. KEF specifies approximately 135° nominal coverage.

This broad dispersion helps distribute sound across a wider listening area, but room layout, ceiling height, speaker spacing, and acoustics still affect final performance.

Frequency Response and System Setup

KEF specifies a 52 Hz–20 kHz ±6 dB open-backed response and a broader 44 Hz–45 kHz range at -10 dB. KEF recommends a 55 Hz high-pass filter.

A subwoofer is not required for normal whole-home or background music use, but it can provide deeper low-frequency extension when desired.

Compact Installation Dimensions

• External diameter: 193.4 mm (7.61")
• Overall depth: 81 mm (3.19")
• Cutout diameter: 158 mm (6.22")
• Mounting depth: 77.5 mm (3.05")
• Supported mounting thickness: 6–33 mm (0.24–1.30")
• Net weight: 1.2 kg (2.7 lb) per KEF speaker specification

Check joist locations, electrical wiring, plumbing, HVAC, insulation, and available cavity depth before cutting the ceiling.

Optional Rough-In Frame and Rear Enclosure

KEF lists the RIF130R rough-in frame and RNC130R rear enclosure as optional accessories for the Ci130ER. 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 Ci130ER is IP64 certified and uses moisture-resistant terminations, protective finishes, and UV-resistant materials.

KEF specifically identifies bathrooms and kitchens as suitable applications. IP64 does not mean waterproof or suitable for submerged installation.

Paintable Magnetic Grille

The Ci130ER 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?

• 2 KEF Ci130ER in-ceiling speakers
• 2 magnetic paintable grilles
• Integrated mounting systems
• Product documentation

The amplifier or AV receiver, speaker wire, RIF130R rough-in frames, RNC130R rear enclosures, 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 Ci130ER is the right fit.

Is the KEF Ci130ER sold individually or as a pair?

KEF USA currently sells the Ci130ER as a pair, so this listing should represent two speakers rather than one.

Is the Ci130ER powered or passive?

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

What amplifier power does KEF recommend?

KEF's architectural specification sheet lists 10–80 W of recommended amplifier power. This is not an RMS or peak power-handling rating.

What is the impedance?

The Ci130ER has an 8-ohm nominal impedance.

What is the frequency response?

KEF specifies 52 Hz–20 kHz at ±6 dB open-backed and a 44 Hz–45 kHz range at -10 dB.

How wide is the speaker's coverage?

KEF specifies approximately 135° nominal coverage.

What high-pass filter does KEF recommend?

KEF recommends a 55 Hz high-pass filter.

What cutout size is required?

The Ci130ER requires a 158 mm, or approximately 6.22", round cutout.

How much mounting depth is required?

KEF specifies approximately 77.5 mm, or 3.05", of mounting depth.

Is the Ci130ER suitable for bathrooms and kitchens?

Yes. KEF specifically lists bathrooms and kitchens as suitable applications and gives the speaker an IP64 rating. It should not be described as waterproof.

Is a rough-in frame available?

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

Is a rear enclosure available?

Yes. KEF lists the RNC130R as an optional rear enclosure. 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 should I confirm before ordering?

Confirm that you need a pair, your amplifier supports 8-ohm speakers, the 6.22" cutout and 3.05" mounting depth fit your ceiling, and your speaker-wire route is ready.