KEF CI160.2CR Ci-C Uni-Q 6.5 Inch Round In-Ceiling Speaker Single

Wide KEF Sound From a Shallow In-Ceiling Design

The KEF Ci160.2CR is a passive 6.5" round in-ceiling speaker sold individually, designed for whole-home music, stereo zones, TV audio, and other spaces where discreet sound and limited ceiling depth matter. Its Uni-Q driver array combines a 6.5" woofer with a 0.6" aluminum-dome tweeter to provide broad, consistent coverage from a compact architectural speaker.

With only approximately 3.35" of mounting depth, the Ci160.2CR is particularly useful where deeper architectural speakers may not fit.

Key Specifications

• Sold as: One speaker
• Speaker type: Passive in-ceiling architectural speaker
• LF driver: 160 mm (6.5") Uni-Q
• HF driver: 16 mm (0.6") aluminum dome with Tangerine Waveguide
• Nominal impedance: 8 Ω
• Sensitivity: 89 dB (2.83 V / 1 m)
• Frequency response: 52 Hz–20 kHz (±6 dB, open-backed)
• Frequency range: 47 Hz–45 kHz (-10 dB)
• Crossover frequency: 2.8 kHz
• Recommended amplifier power: 10–100 W
• Recommended high-pass filter: 50 Hz
• Nominal coverage: 120°
• Maximum SPL: 104 dB
• Certification: IP64

Who Should Choose the Ci160.2CR?

Choose the Ci160.2CR when you want discreet in-ceiling audio for a bedroom, kitchen, living room, multi-room system, or other space where broad sound coverage and shallow mounting depth are important.

For conventional stereo playback, order two speakers. Larger rooms or distributed-audio systems may require additional speakers depending on coverage, listening level, and room layout.

Passive Speaker and Amplifier Requirements

The Ci160.2CR is completely passive. It does not include a built-in amplifier, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, streaming, or app control.

KEF recommends 10–100 W of amplifier power and specifies an 8-ohm nominal impedance. Connect the speaker to a compatible amplifier or AV receiver using appropriate in-wall rated speaker wire.

The 10–100 W figure is KEF's recommended amplifier range, not an RMS or peak power-handling specification.

Uni-Q With 120-Degree Coverage

KEF places the 16 mm aluminum tweeter at the acoustic center of the 160 mm woofer in its Uni-Q array. The tweeter also uses KEF's Tangerine Waveguide to help control high-frequency dispersion.

KEF specifies approximately 120° nominal coverage, making the speaker useful where broad, even sound distribution is more important than a narrow listening position.

Frequency Response and System Setup

KEF specifies an open-backed frequency response of 52 Hz–20 kHz at ±6 dB and a broader 47 Hz–45 kHz range at -10 dB. The recommended high-pass filter is 50 Hz.

A subwoofer is not required for normal operation, but adding one can provide deeper bass for music or home theater applications.

Shallow Installation Depth

The Ci160.2CR requires approximately 85.2 mm, or 3.35", of mounting depth from the finished ceiling surface according to KEF's current architectural specification sheet.

• External diameter: 234.6 mm (9.24")
• Overall depth: 88.7 mm (3.49")
• Cutout diameter: 196 mm (7.71")
• Mounting depth: Approximately 85.2 mm (3.35")
• Net weight: 1.4 kg (3.1 lb)

Always confirm joist location, electrical wiring, plumbing, HVAC, insulation, and available cavity depth before cutting the ceiling.

Optional Rough-In Frame and Rear Enclosure

KEF lists the RIF160R rough-in frame and RNC160R rear enclosure as optional accessories for the Ci160.2CR. Neither is included with the speaker.

KEF specifies approximately 35 liters as the ideal rear volume and 20 liters as the minimum rear volume for the open-backed speaker installation.

IP64 Weather Resistance

The Ci160.2CR is IP64 certified and uses moisture- and UV-resistant materials. KEF states that the speaker passed IEC testing confirming that splashing water would have no harmful effect on the assembly.

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

Paintable Magnetic Grille

An ultra-thin magnetic grille helps the speaker blend into the ceiling and can be painted to better match the surrounding finish. Follow KEF's painting instructions so grille perforations are not blocked.

What's Included?

• 1 KEF Ci160.2CR in-ceiling speaker
• Paintable magnetic grille
• Integrated mounting system
• Product documentation

The amplifier or AV receiver, speaker wire, RIF160R rough-in frame, RNC160R 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 Ci160.2CR is the right fit for your system.

Is the KEF Ci160.2CR sold individually or as a pair?

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

Is the Ci160.2CR 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 10–100 W of amplifier power. This is an amplifier recommendation, not an RMS or peak power-handling rating.

What is the speaker impedance?

The Ci160.2CR has an 8-ohm nominal impedance.

What is the frequency response?

KEF specifies 52 Hz–20 kHz at ±6 dB open-backed and a 47 Hz–45 kHz frequency range at -10 dB.

What is the recommended high-pass filter?

KEF recommends a 50 Hz high-pass filter.

How wide is the speaker's coverage?

KEF specifies approximately 120° nominal coverage.

What cutout size is required?

The speaker requires a 196 mm, or approximately 7.71", round ceiling cutout.

How much mounting depth is required?

KEF's current architectural specification lists approximately 85.2 mm, or 3.35", of mounting depth from the finished surface.

Is the Ci160.2CR suitable for in-wall installation?

KEF's current product documentation specifically positions the Ci160.2CR as an in-ceiling speaker. Bear Security Shop therefore recommends using it for its documented in-ceiling application.

Is it weather resistant?

Yes. The Ci160.2CR is IP64 certified and uses moisture- and UV-resistant materials. It should not be described as waterproof or suitable for submerged installation.

Is the grille included?

Yes. A paintable magnetic grille is included.

Is a rough-in frame available?

Yes. KEF lists the RIF160R as an optional rough-in frame. It is sold separately.

Is a rear enclosure available?

Yes. KEF lists the RNC160R as the optional rear enclosure for the Ci160.2CR. It is sold separately.

What are the dimensions and weight?

The speaker measures approximately 9.24" in diameter × 3.49" deep and weighs approximately 3.1 lb.

What should I confirm before ordering?

Confirm speaker quantity, 8-ohm amplifier compatibility, the 7.71" cutout, approximately 3.35" of mounting depth, available rear cavity volume, and speaker-wire routing.