As their surname indicates, the Kef Ci5160REFM-THX (see photo below) and Kef Ci3160REFM-THX are THX certified. The first named meets the quality standards of the recent THX Dominus label, and the second meets the THX Ultra, in addition to those of the Kef Extreme Theater specifications. Moreover, like all Reference loudspeakers, the Kef Ci5160REF-THX is delivered with the construction certificate of the craftsman who made it.
Main technical characteristics
Technically, the Kef Ci5160REFM-THX and Kef Ci3160REFM-THX incorporate the same 12th generation Uni-Q driver (tweeter and coaxial midrange) boosted with MAT technology for a consistent sound signature. This coaxial-type specimen is built around a 25mm tweeter placed in the center of a 125mm midrange. The two loudspeakers thus act as a single sound source to diffuse the sound evenly in the listening room with a lot of naturalness. Of course, in a Home Cinema configuration, the ideal is to have five Kef Ci5160REFM-THX or Kef Ci3160REFM-THX integrated into the walls, at the front around the TV and behind the listener. An installation that is not accessible to everyone…
There are also four 160 mm woofers, developed specifically with a view to being recessed into a wall on the Ci5160REFM-THX speaker, two on the Ci3160REFM-THX. Their structure uses a set of massive magnets, a large aluminum wire coil and a super-lightweight alloy cone. The whole offers rigidity and resistance for remarkable dynamics and power.
Ci5160REFM-THX or Kef Ci3160REFM-THX speakers, zoom on Meta technology
The exclusive MAT process (for Metamaterial Absorption Technology) materializes in the form of a complex labyrinthine structure in relief where the channels act as an acoustic black hole absorbing 99% of the unwanted sounds radiating at the rear of the coaxial loudspeaker Uni-Q, compared to 60% previously. Thus, the distortion is virtually eliminated (THD at 0.07%) and the transparency increased. It should be noted that the MAT speaker also provides a better frequency response (+40%). Finally, it delivers perfectly and consistently smooth highs that are clear and precise at any volume.
ADN Kef Reference
Namely, the high pass and low pass filters have been separated on separate circuit boards to limit crosstalk. Availability, in black or grey, on order for delivery from June. The metal grilles can be painted for a perfect integration within all interior decorations. Optional black fabric grille. Indicative unit price: €8,000 for the Kef Ci3160REFM-THX, €11,000 for the Kef Ci5160REFM-THX (see photo above).
Reminder of the key characteristics of the Kef Ci5160REFM-THX:
• Type: 3-way speaker
• Woofer(s): 16 cm x 4
• Medium(s): 12, 5 cm Uni-Q
• Tweeter(s): aluminum cone with 25 mm MAT technology
• Non-magnetic: yes
• Sensitivity: 92 dB
• Impedance: 4 ohms
• Bandwidth: 40 Hz-28 KHz
• Cabinet dimensions (W x D x H, mm): 230 x 105.7 x 1,070 mm
• Cut-off frequency: 600 Hz/3 000 Hz
• Max/peak admissible power: 500 W
• Other: THX Dominus
• Unit net weight: 21.7 kg (each)
Reminder of the key characteristics of the Kef Ci3160REFM-THX:
• Type: 3-way speaker
• Woofer(s): 16 cm x 2
• Medium(s): 12, 5 cm Uni-Q
• Tweeter(s): aluminum cone with 25 mm MAT technology
• Non-magnetic: yes
• Sensitivity: 89 dB
• Impedance: 4 ohms
• Bandwidth: 40 Hz-28 KHz
• Cabinet dimensions (W x D x H, mm): 230 x 105.7 x 680
• Crossover frequency: 600 Hz/3,000 Hz
• Maximum/peak admissible power: 350 W
• Other: THX Ultra
• Unit net weight: 13.6 kg (each)
