Short answer: choose the CI130.2CR whenever its 158mm cutout can fit; the CI50R is for spaces so small that even the compact CI130.2CR is impossible.
The CI130.2CR is the practical modern compact choice. Its 5.25-inch coaxial Uni-Q keeps the tweeter acoustically centered, fits a shallow 82.3mm-deep cavity, and reaches about 100Hz at -3dB. It still benefits from a subwoofer, but can work as a coherent surround, height, or background channel.
The CI50R is much smaller but far more limited. Its 80mm square body and 2-inch full-range driver suit cabinetry and tight voids, but bass rolls off around 170Hz at -3dB. It is discontinued and appropriate only for high-crossover ambient or fill use.
Buy the CI130.2CR for a compact current-production Uni-Q speaker.
Buy the CI50R only when its micro dimensions are the deciding constraint.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
A compact, affordable in-ceiling speaker with a coaxial driver that fits tight joist bays and shallow cavities.
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Specifications Side By Side
| KEF CI130.2CR | KEF CI50R | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $599.98 per pair | $99.99 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #18 of 28 in In-Wall & In-Ceiling Speakers | #25 of 28 in In-Wall & In-Ceiling Speakers |
| Drivers | 5.25” Uni-Q coaxial woofer with 16mm aluminum dome tweeter | 2” full-range driver |
| Enclosure | Open-backed, in-ceiling | Open-backed (optional rear enclosure), in-ceiling |
| Mounting Cutout | 158 x 158mm | 70mm (2.76 in) with rear enclosure |
| Dimensions | 7.6” x 7.6” x 3.2” (193.4 x 193.4 x 82.3 mm) (77.7mm mounting depth) | 3.1” x 3.1” x 2.2” (80 x 80 x 55 mm) |
| Weight | 2.9 lbs (1.3kg) | 2.2 lbs (1.0kg) |
| Sensitivity | 87dB | 82dB |
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 6 ohms |
| Power Handling | 10-80W recommended amplifier power | 10-30W recommended amplifier power |
| Frequency Response | 52Hz-20kHz +/-6dB (manufacturer, open-backed) | 125Hz-20kHz +/-6dB (manufacturer, open-backed) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 100Hz (measured, spinorama.org vendor data) | 170Hz (measured, spinorama.org vendor data) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53.5Hz (measured, spinorama.org vendor data) | 113Hz (measured, spinorama.org vendor data) |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
Frequency Response Compared
Both speakers’ spinorama measurements, overlaid. A flatter line is more neutral: peaks sound forward or harsh, dips sound recessed. Each curve is shifted so its average from 300 Hz to 3 kHz sits at 0 dB, so loudness differences between the two are removed and only the shape is compared.
Measurement data: KEF CI130.2CR (measured by the manufacturer) and KEF CI50R (measured by the manufacturer), via spinorama.org.
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