KEF CI160ER 6.5 Inch Slim Bezel Round In-Ceiling Speakers Pair

Clean, Wide-Coverage Sound for Whole-Home Audio

The KEF Ci160ER is a pair of passive 6.5" round in-ceiling speakers designed for whole-home music, stereo listening, kitchens, bedrooms, living rooms, offices, and other spaces where discreet appearance and broad sound coverage matter.

Each speaker uses KEF's Uni-Q driver array, placing the 0.6" aluminum tweeter at the acoustic center of the 6.5" woofer to help distribute sound more evenly across the room.

Key Specifications

• Sold as: Pair, 2 speakers
• Speaker type: Passive in-ceiling architectural speaker
• LF driver: 160 mm (6.5") Uni-Q
• HF driver: 16 mm (0.6") aluminum dome tweeter
• Nominal impedance: 8 Ω
• Sensitivity: 89 dB (2.83 V / 1 m)
• Frequency response: 52 Hz–20 kHz (±6 dB, open-backed)
• Frequency range: 46 Hz–45 kHz (-10 dB)
• Crossover frequency: 2.8 kHz
• Recommended amplifier power: 10–100 W
• Recommended high-pass filter: 50 Hz
• Nominal coverage: 110°
• Maximum SPL: 104 dB
• Certification: IP64

Who Should Choose the Ci160ER?

Choose the Ci160ER when you want a conventional stereo pair of discreet ceiling speakers with KEF's Uni-Q dispersion and a clean architectural finish. The pair works well for music zones, TV audio, and distributed-audio systems where two-speaker stereo coverage is preferred.

If your room only allows one speaker location but you still need stereo from a single cutout, KEF's dual-stereo Ci160CRds may be a better fit.

Passive Speaker and Amplifier Requirements

The Ci160ER 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 speakers 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 110-Degree Coverage

Each Ci160ER uses a 6.5" Uni-Q driver with a 0.6" aluminum tweeter positioned at its acoustic center. KEF specifies approximately 110° nominal coverage.

This helps provide broad, consistent sound across the listening area while allowing the speaker to remain visually discreet in the ceiling.

Frequency Response and System Setup

KEF specifies an open-backed frequency response of 52 Hz–20 kHz at ±6 dB and a broader 46 Hz–45 kHz range at -10 dB. KEF recommends a 50 Hz high-pass filter.

A subwoofer is optional for normal whole-home or music listening, but it can provide deeper bass for systems where stronger low-frequency output is desired.

Installation Dimensions

• External diameter: 234.6 mm (9.24")
• Overall depth: 88.7 mm (3.49")
• Cutout diameter: 196 mm (7.71")
• Mounting depth: 85.2 mm (3.35")
• Supported ceiling thickness: 6–36 mm (0.24–1.42")
• Net weight: 1.4 kg (3.1 lb) per speaker

Check joists, wiring, plumbing, HVAC, insulation, and available ceiling depth before cutting the installation openings.

Optional Rough-In Frame and Rear Enclosure

KEF lists the RIF160R rough-in frame and RNC160R rear enclosure as optional accessories for the Ci160ER. Both are sold separately.

KEF specifies approximately 35 liters as the ideal rear volume and 20 liters as the minimum rear volume.

IP64 and Moisture Resistance

The Ci160ER is IP64 certified and uses moisture-resistant terminations and UV-resistant materials. This makes it suitable for humid interior locations such as kitchens and bathrooms.

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

Paintable Magnetic Grilles

Each 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?

• 2 KEF Ci160ER in-ceiling speakers
• 2 paintable magnetic grilles
• Integrated mounting systems
• Product documentation

The amplifier or AV receiver, speaker wire, RIF160R rough-in frames, RNC160R 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 Ci160ER pair is the right fit for your system.

Are the KEF Ci160ER speakers sold individually or as a pair?

KEF USA currently sells the Ci160ER as a pair. This listing should include two matching speakers.

Are the Ci160ER speakers powered or passive?

They are passive and require 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 impedance?

The Ci160ER has an 8-ohm nominal impedance.

What is the frequency response?

KEF specifies 52 Hz–20 kHz at ±6 dB open-backed and a 46 Hz–45 kHz range at -10 dB.

How wide is the coverage?

KEF specifies approximately 110° nominal coverage.

What high-pass filter does KEF recommend?

KEF recommends a 50 Hz high-pass filter.

What cutout size is required?

Each Ci160ER requires a 196 mm, or approximately 7.71", round cutout.

How much mounting depth is required?

KEF specifies approximately 85.2 mm, or 3.35", of mounting depth.

Is the Ci160ER suitable for bathrooms and kitchens?

Yes. The speaker is IP64 certified and uses moisture-resistant components, making it suitable for humid interior locations. It should not be described as waterproof.

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 an optional rear enclosure. It is sold separately.

What rear volume does KEF recommend?

KEF specifies approximately 35 liters as ideal rear volume and 20 liters as the minimum.

What should I confirm before ordering?

Confirm that you need a pair, your amplifier supports 8-ohm speakers, each ceiling location has a 7.71" cutout and 3.35" mounting depth, and your speaker-wire routes are ready.