KEF Ci160TR Ultra-Slim 4.5 Inch In-Ceiling Speaker

Premium Sound for Extremely Shallow Ceiling Spaces

The KEF Ci160TR is an ultra-slim passive in-ceiling speaker designed for installations where conventional architectural speakers simply will not fit. With less than 1.42" of required mounting depth, it is especially useful for apartments, condos, shallow ceiling cavities, concrete-ceiling applications, and retrofit projects where space above the ceiling is limited.

Despite the Ci160 model name, the Ci160TR does not use a 6.5" driver. It combines a low-profile 4.5" dual-layer mid/bass driver with a 1" vented aluminum tweeter and KEF Tangerine Waveguide.

Key Specifications

• Sold as: One speaker
• Speaker type: Passive ultra-slim in-ceiling speaker
• Mid/bass driver: 115 mm (4.5") dual-layer driver
• Tweeter: 25 mm (1") vented aluminum dome
• Nominal impedance: 8 Ω
• Sensitivity: 87 dB (2.83 V / 1 m)
• Frequency response: 110 Hz–24 kHz (±6 dB, open-backed)
• Frequency range: 69 Hz–45 kHz (-10 dB)
• Crossover frequency: 1.7 kHz
• Recommended amplifier power: 10–100 W
• Recommended high-pass filter: 70 Hz
• Nominal coverage: 160°
• Maximum SPL: 101 dB
• Certification: IP64

Who Should Choose the Ci160TR?

Choose the Ci160TR when available ceiling depth is the main installation constraint. Its ultra-low-profile design can fit spaces where many standard in-ceiling speakers cannot.

It works well for whole-home music, bedrooms, kitchens, bathrooms, apartments, and other spaces where discreet audio and shallow installation are more important than deep bass output.

If you have enough ceiling depth for a conventional 6.5" architectural speaker and want stronger low-frequency extension, consider another model from our In-Wall & In-Ceiling Speakers collection.

Passive Speaker and Amplifier Requirements

The Ci160TR 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 it 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.

Less Than 1.42 Inches of Mounting Depth

The Ci160TR requires less than 36 mm (1.42") of mounting depth from the finished surface. Overall speaker depth is approximately 40 mm (1.57").

These are different measurements: 1.42" is the required cavity depth behind the finished surface, while 1.57" is the overall physical depth of the speaker.

Wide 160-Degree Coverage

KEF specifies approximately 160° nominal coverage, making the Ci160TR particularly useful where broad sound dispersion is important.

The 1" vented aluminum tweeter uses KEF's Tangerine Waveguide to help distribute high frequencies across a wider listening area.

Frequency Response and Bass Expectations

KEF specifies an open-backed frequency response of 110 Hz–24 kHz at ±6 dB and a broader 69 Hz–45 kHz range at -10 dB. KEF recommends a 70 Hz high-pass filter.

The Ci160TR prioritizes extremely shallow installation rather than deep bass extension. A subwoofer can be added when stronger low-frequency performance is important.

Installation Dimensions

• External diameter: 234.6 mm (9.24")
• Overall depth: 40 mm (1.57")
• Cutout diameter: 196 mm (7.71")
• Mounting depth: Less than 36 mm (1.42")
• Supported mounting thickness: 9–26 mm (0.36–1.03")
• Net weight: Approximately 1 kg (2.2 lb)

Check framing, electrical 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 Ci160TR. Both are sold separately.

KEF specifies approximately 3 liters as the ideal rear volume and 1 liter as the minimum rear volume.

IP64 Moisture Resistance

The Ci160TR is IP64 certified and uses moisture-resistant components and UV-protected materials, making it suitable for installations where additional environmental protection is useful.

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

Flexible Mounting

The round Ci160TR supports conventional mounting-tab installation or direct screw fastening to an appropriate solid mounting surface.

Paintable Magnetic Grille

KEF's Ultra-Thin Bezel design keeps the installed speaker visually discreet. The magnetic grille can be painted to better match the surrounding ceiling finish.

What's Included?

• 1 KEF Ci160TR 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 Confirming Fit?

Send Bear Security Shop your available ceiling depth, ceiling construction, amplifier model, and room dimensions. We can help confirm the cutout, amplification, speaker quantity, and whether the ultra-slim Ci160TR is the right choice for your space.

1. Is this one speaker or a pair?
   This listing is for a single speaker. For stereo (left and right), you’ll typically order two.
   
2. Will it work with my AV receiver or multi-room amp?
   Yes. It’s an 8 ohm speaker and fits most home receivers and multi-room amps. A typical 10 to 100W per channel amp range is a good match.
   
3. How shallow can my ceiling cavity be, and what cutout do I need?
   It’s designed for very tight spaces, about 1.42 in mounting depth. The cutout is about 7.71 in. Use the included template for the cleanest fit.