KEF Ci Series Installation Manual
Ci3160REFM-THX & Ci5160REFM-THX
THE REFERENCE
THX CERTIFIED
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing this KEF Ci series custom installation loudspeaker. These products have been designed for dry-lined, stud partition walls and ceilings and for suspended ceilings and will deliver many years of superb sound quality.
Warning
Installation should be performed by an installer who is skilled in the proper use of hand and power tools, knowledge of local building and fire codes, and who is familiar with the environment behind the wall or ceiling where the speaker is being installed. No attempt should be made to install these loudspeakers unless you are sure you will not be cutting through electric cables, water or gas pipes, or supporting joists. Ensure the loading on the wall or ceiling will support the weight of these assemblies.
Important Points: Wall Damping
The sound quality of your KEF in-wall speaker will be improved if the entire wall cavity is filled with standard fiberglass insulation. If the insulation is in place and has a paper backing facing the speaker, remove the paper in the area behind the speaker. Some insulation may need to be removed behind the speaker to allow space for installation (check local building codes).
To maximize sonic output and minimize unwanted wall vibration, take steps to increase rigidity of the wall by using additional drywall screws and construction adhesive between the drywall and the studs. This should be done to the entire sheet of drywall where the speaker is installed.
Diagram Description: Illustration of wall damping showing studs, fiberglass insulation filling the wall cavity, and arrows indicating the placement of additional drywall screws and construction adhesive between drywall and studs.
Important Points: Rear Enclosure Construction
Ci5160REFM-THX Rear Enclosure Construction for THX Certified Dominus Installation
Diagram Description: Diagrams illustrating the rear enclosure construction for the Ci5160REFM-THX model, designed for THX Certified Dominus installations. Includes detailed dimensions and cross-sections (SECTION A-A, SECTION B-B) showing mounting points and structural elements.
Rear Enclosure Construction Guidelines
- Ci5160REFM-THX and Ci3160REFM-THX are designed to fit in standard 2" x 4" stud wall bays mounted on 16" centers.
- Special care should be taken with the construction to ensure consistent, controlled performance.
- Refer to the product specification or KEF's Minimum Cabinet Volume chart for the minimum required cavity volume for your speaker when designing enclosures or determining placement directly into stud bays. This will help maximize the bass performance of your loudspeaker.
- Ensure that loudspeakers (unless specified) do not share wall cavities.
- The wall and cavity should be built as a rigid and sturdy structure to minimize vibration and to prevent leakage into other rooms.
- Construction adhesive and caulking should be applied to seal the cavity and prevent susceptibility to rattling or buzzing.
- The cavity should be filled with acoustically absorbent material such as rock wool or polyester fibre to suppress cavity resonances.
Inside the Box
Contents: Visual representation of the components included in the box for both Ci3160REFM-THX and Ci5160REFM-THX models, showing the speaker units, grilles, and various mounting hardware.
Installation
Step-by-step guide:
- Cut the appropriate opening in the wall.
- Prepare the wall cavity and install the rear enclosure if required.
- Mount the speaker securely into the wall studs.
- Connect the speaker wires to the appropriate terminals.
- Amplifier Connection Options:
- Single Amp: Connect a single amplifier to the speaker. Use the 'HF Flat' setting for a neutral high-frequency response, or 'HF Lift' for a slight boost.
- Bi-amp: Connect separate amplifier channels for high and low frequencies. Use the 'HF Flat' or 'HF Lift' settings as desired.
Diagram Description (Amplifier Connections): Diagrams illustrating amplifier connection options. 'Single amp' shows a single amplifier connection to the speaker terminals, with switch settings for 'HF Flat' or 'HF Lift'. 'Bi-amp' shows separate amplifier connections for high and low frequencies, also with 'HF Flat' or 'HF Lift' switch options.
- Attach the speaker to the mounting system.
- Connect the wiring to the speaker terminals.
- Ensure all connections are secure.
- Install the grille.
- Perform final checks.
Diagram Description (Overall Installation): Step-by-step visual guide for installing the KEF Ci Series speakers, covering hole cutting, cavity preparation, mounting, wiring, amplifier connection (Single amp/Bi-amp with HF Flat/HF Lift options), and grille attachment.
Decoration
Grille Installation: Diagrams illustrating the final decoration and grille installation steps, including aligning the left corner of the grille and positioning the badge.
Specifications
| Feature | Ci3160REFM-THX | Ci5160REFM-THX |
|---|---|---|
| Model | Ci3160REFM-THX | Ci5160REFM-THX |
| Series | Ci-Reference | Ci-Reference |
| Nominal impedance | 4Ω | 4Ω |
| Sensitivity (2.83V/1m) | 89 dB | 92 dB |
| Frequency response (open-backed) | 40-28 kHz | 40-28 kHz |
| Crossover frequency | 600Hz, 3kHz | 600Hz, 3kHz |
| Drive units HF | 25 mm (1 in.) vented aluminium dome with Metamaterial Absorption Technology | 25 mm (1 in.) vented aluminium dome with Metamaterial Absorption Technology |
| Drive units MF | 125 mm (5.25 in.) Uni-Q | 125 mm (5.25 in.) Uni-Q |
| Drive units LF | 2 x 160 mm (6.5 in.) | 4 x 160 mm (6.5 in.) |
| Recommended amplifier power | 50-350 W | 50-500 W |
| Product external dimensions (H x W x D) | 680 x 230 x 105.7 mm (26.77 x 9.06 x 4.16 in.) | 1070 x 230 x 105.7 mm (42.13 x 9.06 x 4.16 in.) |
| Cut-out dimensions (H x W) | 660 x 209 mm (25.98 x 8.23 in.) | 1052 x 209 mm (41.42 x 8.23 in.) |
| Net weight | 13.6 kg (29.92 lbs.) | 21.7 kg (47.8 lbs.) |
| Mounting depth from surface | 99 mm (3.9 in.) | 99 mm (3.9 in.) |
| Grille | White Metal Mesh Grille, Optional Black Fabric Grille | White Metal Mesh Grille, Optional Black Fabric Grille |
| Ideal rear volume (L) | 60 | 90 |
| Minimum rear volume (L) | 30 | 40 |
| Optional rough in frame | RIF3160L | RIF5160L |
| Optional rear enclosure | NA | NA |
| THX-Certified | THX® Certified Ultra | THX® Certified Dominus |
THX and the THX logo are the property of THX Ltd., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Metamaterial Absorption Technology is a joint development with Acoustic Metamaterials Group. KEF reserves the right, in line with continuing research and development, to amend or change specifications. E&OE.
THX Certification
THX Ultra: Recommended for Large Home Theaters or Living Rooms. Features Extended Bandwidth and Flat Frequency Response, High Output, Low Distortion Design at 12 ft Listening Distance. Conforms to THX Bass Management Requirements. Capable of THX Reference Level in a room up to 3,000 cubic feet (85 cubic meters).
THX Dominus: Recommended for Expansive Home Theaters or Screening Rooms. Features Extended Bandwidth and Flat Frequency Response, High Output, Low Distortion Design at 20 ft Listening Distance. Conforms to THX Bass Management Requirements. Capable of THX Reference Level in a room up to 6,500 cubic feet (185 cubic meters).
