KEF has announced the Ci160ES, a new speaker designed for in-ceiling and flush mount installations.
Extending KEF's Architectural Speaker range of discreet In-wall/In-ceiling speakers, the newest square member, the Ci160ES, complements the entry level E Series which already features the 130mm (5.25 in.), 160mm (6.5 in.) and 200mm (8 in.) round in-ceiling speakers.
As a coincidence point speaker design (i.e. the sound appears to emanate from a single point), the Ci160ES is designed, manufactured and voiced to the same standards as all KEF products and can therefore sit comfortably in a variety of KEF based speaker environments, including whole home, multi room or home theatre setups.
Key to the Ci160ES is KEF’s signature Uni-Q driver technology which places a 16mm high frequency aluminium tweeter at the precise acoustic centre of a 160mm bass/midrange woofer. This arrangement results in a wide dispersion with consistent sound characteristics throughout the space. The large sweet spot means more listeners can experience the same natural, detailed sound. It also means that in circumstances where speakers cannot be placed optimally, Uni-Q technology ensures the whole room is still filled with a balanced sound.
Aside from the acoustic properties, the Ci160ES also brings to bear a range of additional features to help its placement across multiple environments. This includes a manufacturing process which uses a proprietary plating and powder coating process to ensure weather resistance and UV protection. Additionally, an IP64 rating protects against dust ingress and guarantees enough water resistance such that splashing water is certified to have no harmful effects on assembly components. Speakers can therefore be used in kitchens and bathrooms as well as protected outdoor areas, such as under eaves.
The magnetic grilles are paintable to match any décor and the ultra-thin bezel (UTB) is one of the slimmest profile surrounds on the market to make installations ultra disceet.
The Ci160ES speaker is available from October 2021 and will be priced at £250 per pair.
Source: Press Release
Image Source: KEF