In this review, we will be comparing Ci200QL and CI3160RLM THX, two Passive In-wall speakers by KEF.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of KEF Ci200QL and KEF CI3160RLM THX first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | KEF Ci200QL | KEF CI3160RLM THX |
|---|
| Brand | KEF
United Kingdom · founded 1961 | KEF
United Kingdom · founded 1961 |
|---|
| Design | 2-way | 2-way |
|---|
| Uni-Q driver | — | 12th Generation Uni-Q |
|---|
| Tweeter | 1" | 1" |
|---|
| Woofer | 8" | 2 x 6.5" |
|---|
| Frequency response | 35-34k Hz | 43-28k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 90 dB | 89 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 4 ohms |
|---|
| Weight | 2.63kg / 5.8lbs | 11.97kg / 26.3lbs |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 14-9/16" x 10-3/4" x 4-5/16"
369.9 x 273.1 x 109.5mm | 26-13/16" x 9-1/16" x 3-7/8"
681.0 x 230.2 x 99.0mm |
|---|
Ci200QL and CI3160RLM THX are members of KEF's Ci series of speakers. Below you can find the loudspeakers from this series.
KEF Ci Series
History
|
Model |
Body |
Frequency |
Sensitivity | Impedance | Woofer |
 |
KEF CI3160RLM THX
|
In-wall |
43-28k Hz |
89 dB | 4Ω |
2 x 6.5"
|
 |
KEF Ci200QL
|
In-wall |
35-34k Hz |
90 dB | 8Ω |
1 x 8"
|
The sections below take each area in turn: drivers, frequency response, physical size and what you get in the box.
Drivers
Both Ci200QL and CI3160RLM THX are 2-way speakers.
KEF Ci200QLKEF CI3160RLM THX
TweeterMidrangeWoofer
Front view, drawn to scale - cabinets and drivers share one scale, so sizes are directly comparable. Hover a driver for its size.
| Driver |
KEF Ci200QL |
KEF CI3160RLM THX |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 8-inch
|
2 x 6.5-inch
|
Ci200QL features a 1" Tweeter and 1 x 8" Woofer. On the other hand, the CI3160RLM THX features a 1" Tweeter and 2 x 6.5" Woofer.
Frequency Response
Ci200QL has a frequency range of 35-34k Hz whereas CI3160RLM THX has a frequency range of 43-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 35Hz, the Ci200QL can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the CI3160RLM THX's min frequency of 43Hz.
The graph below depicts how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average Low Frequency values of other speakers in the In-wall class in our database.
Low Frequency
In-wall Speakers
Neither pair reaches down to 20Hz, the usual definition of full-range, which is normal for speakers of this size. If you want the bottom octave for movies or bass-heavy music, add a subwoofer to whichever you choose. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
Ci200QL is a 8 ohms speaker compared to the CI3160RLM THX which has a nominal impedance of 4 ohms. Lower impedance speakers, especially the ones that are rated at 4 ohms may put more pressure on the amplifier unit especially when played at high volume levels, so make sure the amp you pair with the CI3160RLM THX can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Ci200QL sensitivity is rated at 90 dB and the CI3160RLM THX's is rated at 89 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the KEF Ci200QL a more sensitive speaker compared to KEF CI3160RLM THX, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
In-wall Speakers
Which plays louder on your amplifier?
Starting with a popular amplifier - change it to the one you own, or any you are
considering, and watch both numbers move.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
Ci200QL features Spring post type posts and CI3160RLM THX has a Spring post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Physical Specs
The size of a speaker can sometimes be an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare KEF Ci200QL's and KEF CI3160RLM THX's external dimensions. KEF Ci200QL has external dimensions of 369.9 x 273.1 x 109.5mm () whereas KEF CI3160RLM THX has external dimensions of 681.0 x 230.2 x 99.0mm ().
KEF CI3160RLM THX is 42.9mm narrower and 10.5mm less deeper than KEF Ci200QL but it is also 311.1mm taller.
Size, drawn to scale
Both speakers and both views share one scale, so everything here is directly comparable. Hover a box for its dimensions.
One scale for both, standing on the same surface and pushed back to the same wall, so the deeper one visibly sticks out further.
KEF Ci200QL needs about 31% more floor or shelf area. KEF CI3160RLM THX is 311mm taller.
Weight Comparison The weight of a loudspeaker can become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often. Weight of a speaker can also "sometimes" be an indicator of the rigidity of the enclosure and the quality of the internal components used. The KEF Ci200QL weighs 2.63kg / 5.8lbs and the KEF CI3160RLM THX weighs 11.97kg / 26.3lbs. This makes the CI3160RLM THX 355% heavier than the Ci200QL.
Here is a comparison of how Ci200QL and CI3160RLM THX's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive In-wall class.
Weight
All In-wall Speakers
 Sensitivity |
90 dB
vs
89 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 Woofer Size |
8 inches
vs
6.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
|
Low Frequency Response |
35 Hz
vs
43 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
34k Hz
vs
28k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
369mm
vs
681mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Price per pair* |
1200USD
vs
4600USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
|
Number of Woofers |
2
vs
1
|
More woofers |
 Base Surface Area |
227cm2
vs
299cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
KEF Ci200QL |
KEF CI3160RLM THX |
| Brand |
KEF |
KEF |
| Speaker Type |
Passive In-wall Speaker |
Passive In-wall Speaker |
| Sensitivity |
90 dB |
89 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
4 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
35-34k Hz |
43-28k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
8" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
|
|
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
6.5" |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
369.9mm (14.6") |
681.0mm (26.8") |
| Width |
273.1mm (10.8") |
230.2mm (9.1") |
| Depth |
109.5mm (4.3") |
99.0mm (3.9") |
| Weight |
2.63kg (5.8lbs) |
11.97kg (26.3lbs) |
| Enclosure |
|
|
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
6 Years w/ registration |
6 Years w/ registration |
| Labor Warranty |
6 Years w/ registration |
6 Years w/ registration |
Siblings in KEF's Ci series, so they share a family sound. It comes down to size, output and price.
| Area | Better | Why |
|---|
| Bass | A | KEF Ci200QL digs deeper - 35Hz against 43Hz. A subwoofer would even that out. |
| Amplifier needs | evenly matched | Similar sensitivity (90dB vs 89dB) - both want much the same power. |
| Amplifier match | A | KEF Ci200QL is the easier load at 8 ohms; the other is 4 ohms and wants an amplifier rated for it. |
| Size | depends | KEF Ci200QL is easier to place; KEF CI3160RLM THX is bigger, which usually goes with fuller bass. Your room decides. |
| Price | A | KEF Ci200QL is cheaper - $1,200 against $4,600, about 74% less; arguably a different class. |
A KEF Ci200QL B KEF CI3160RLM THX
depends neither is better in the abstract - it turns on your room, your system or how you will use them. Only specs published for both speakers are judged; anything missing on either side is left out rather than guessed.
Which should you choose?
KEF Ci200QL is the easier recommendation: it leads on most of the measured areas and costs less. Take KEF CI3160RLM THX if its size, looks or fit in your room suit you better. If a subwoofer is in your plans, the bass gap largely stops mattering - you would be crossing over above 43Hz anyway, so judge these on the other rows instead. In a large or open-plan room, KEF CI3160RLM THX has the cabinet volume to fill it more easily; in a small room, near a wall or at desk distance, KEF Ci200QL is the easier speaker to get right.
And remember what a spec sheet cannot show: how each looks in your room and whether the finish suits it, what dealer support and warranty are like where you live, and how they actually sound to you. If you can hear them first - ideally with your own music - that will tell you more than any number above.