KEF CI160QR 6.5 Inch Slim Bezel Round In-Ceiling Single Speaker

Wide-Coverage KEF Sound for Music and Home Theater

The KEF Ci160QR is a passive 6.5" round in-ceiling speaker sold individually for whole-home audio, stereo systems, surround channels, TV audio, and media rooms. Its Uni-Q driver array places the tweeter at the acoustic center of the woofer to help distribute sound broadly and consistently across the listening area.

Compared with KEF's Ci160ER, the Ci160QR provides wider published bandwidth, broader 125° coverage, higher recommended amplifier power, and greater maximum output for systems where performance is a higher priority.

Key Specifications

• Sold as: One speaker
• Speaker type: Passive in-ceiling architectural speaker
• LF driver: 160 mm (6.5") Uni-Q
• HF driver: 19 mm (0.75") aluminum dome tweeter with Tangerine Waveguide
• Nominal impedance: 8 Ω
• Sensitivity: 89 dB (2.83 V / 1 m)
• Frequency response: 38 Hz–34 kHz (±6 dB, open-backed)
• Frequency range: 32 Hz–30 kHz (-10 dB)
• Crossover frequency: 3.0 kHz
• Recommended amplifier power: 10–125 W
• Recommended high-pass filter: 45 Hz
• Nominal coverage: 125°
• Maximum SPL: 105 dB
• Certification: IP64

Who Should Choose the Ci160QR?

Choose the Ci160QR when you want discreet ceiling speakers with broader coverage and stronger performance than entry-level architectural models. It works well for stereo listening, whole-home music, surround channels, media rooms, and other systems where clean appearance and good output both matter.

For conventional stereo playback, order two speakers. Larger rooms or distributed-audio systems may require additional speakers depending on ceiling height, placement, and listening goals.

Passive Speaker and Amplifier Requirements

The Ci160QR is completely passive. It does not include a built-in amplifier, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, streaming, or app control.

KEF recommends 10–125 W of amplifier power and specifies an 8-ohm nominal impedance. Connect it to a compatible amplifier or AV receiver using appropriate in-wall rated speaker wire.

The 10–125 W figure is KEF's recommended amplifier range, not an RMS or peak power-handling specification.

Uni-Q With 125-Degree Coverage

The Ci160QR combines a 6.5" Uni-Q driver with a 0.75" aluminum tweeter at its acoustic center. KEF also uses its Tangerine Waveguide to help control high-frequency dispersion.

KEF specifies approximately 125° nominal coverage, helping provide broad sound across the listening area while reducing the need to aim the speaker toward a narrow sweet spot.

Frequency Response and System Setup

KEF specifies an open-backed frequency response of 38 Hz–34 kHz at ±6 dB and a broader 32 Hz–30 kHz range at -10 dB. The recommended high-pass filter is 45 Hz.

A subwoofer is optional for music and whole-home audio, but it can provide deeper and more controlled low-frequency output for home theater or higher-volume listening.

Installation Dimensions

• External diameter: 234.6 mm (9.24")
• Overall depth: 98 mm (3.86")
• Cutout diameter: 196 mm (7.71")
• Mounting depth: 91 mm (3.58")
• Supported mounting thickness: 6–36 mm (0.24–1.42")
• Net weight: Approximately 1.8 kg (3.96 lb)

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

Optional Rough-In Frame and Rear Enclosure

KEF lists the RIF160R rough-in frame and RNC160R rear enclosure as optional accessories for the Ci160QR. Both are sold separately.

KEF specifies approximately 25 liters as the ideal rear volume and 15 liters as the minimum rear volume.

IP64 Environmental Protection

The Ci160QR is IP64 certified. This provides protection against dust and splashing water, making it more suitable for humid or semi-protected locations than a speaker without an environmental rating.

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

Ultra-Thin Bezel and Magnetic Grille

KEF's Ultra-Thin Bezel design keeps the visible rim narrow for a cleaner ceiling appearance. The magnetic grille can be painted to better match the surrounding finish.

What's Included?

• 1 KEF Ci160QR 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 planned speaker quantity. We can help check coverage, amplifier compatibility, cutout requirements, and whether the Ci160QR is the right fit.

Is the KEF Ci160QR sold individually or as a pair?

It is sold individually. KEF USA currently lists the Ci160QR per each. For conventional stereo playback, order two.

Is the Ci160QR 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 10–125 W of amplifier power. This is an amplifier recommendation, not an RMS or peak power-handling rating.

What is the impedance?

The Ci160QR has an 8-ohm nominal impedance.

What is the frequency response?

KEF specifies 38 Hz–34 kHz at ±6 dB open-backed and a 32 Hz–30 kHz range at -10 dB.

How wide is the speaker's coverage?

KEF specifies approximately 125° nominal coverage.

What high-pass filter does KEF recommend?

KEF recommends a 45 Hz high-pass filter.

What cutout size is required?

The Ci160QR requires a 196 mm, or approximately 7.71", round cutout.

How much mounting depth is required?

KEF specifies approximately 91 mm, or 3.58", of mounting depth.

Is the Ci160QR weather resistant?

Yes. KEF's current architectural specification sheet lists the Ci160QR as IP64. It should not be described as waterproof or suitable for submerged installation.

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 25 liters as ideal rear volume and 15 liters as the minimum.

What is the difference between Ci160QR and Ci160ER?

The Ci160QR is positioned higher in KEF's architectural range and provides broader published bandwidth, 125° coverage, 10–125 W recommended amplifier power, and 105 dB maximum SPL. The Ci160ER is sold as a pair and is aimed more toward general whole-home audio.

What should I confirm before ordering?

Confirm the required speaker quantity, 8-ohm amplifier compatibility, 7.71" cutout, 3.58" mounting depth, available rear volume, and speaker-wire routing.