Short answer: use the Ci3160RLM-THX as the serious in-wall main or LCR, and the CI250RRM-THX as the premium in-ceiling height, surround, or off-axis channel. Both are independently measured THX-certified three-way designs, but they solve different installation problems.
The Ci3160RLM-THX is the stronger direct-listening speaker. Its 58.6Hz measured -3dB extension, nearly flat on-axis slope, and category-leading directivity consistency make it the safer choice for a front soundstage. Its rotatable, tiltable midrange/tweeter module can also aim at the listening area when the wall position is imperfect.
The CI250RRM-THX reaches lower and is purpose-voiced for ceiling angles. Its 10-inch woofer reaches 51.3Hz at -3dB and roughly 23.3Hz at -10dB, the deepest result in this category. Its response is deliberately optimized for the typical 30- to 60-degree listening angle of a ceiling channel, so automated room correction is especially useful.
Buy the Ci3160RLM-THX for an in-wall LCR with the most controlled direct sound and adjustable aim.
Buy the CI250RRM-THX for a high-end ceiling installation where bass extension and off-axis height-channel performance matter most.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
An excellent in-wall speaker, with highly accurate, flat sound, very consistent dispersion and an aimable driver module for off-center installs.
An in-ceiling speaker with very deep bass for its type, voiced for Atmos height or surround channels and great with room correction.
Prices on this page were last checked October 23, 2026 at 8:27 AM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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Specifications Side By Side
| KEF Ci3160RLM-THX | KEF CI250RRM-THX | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3,795.90 per pair | $4,395.90 per pair |
| Ranked | #1 of 28 in In-Wall & In-Ceiling Speakers | #7 of 28 in In-Wall & In-Ceiling Speakers |
| Drivers | 2x 6.5” LF woofers, 6.5” Uni-Q coaxial midrange, 1” vented aluminum dome tweeter with MAT (rotatable/tiltable module) | 10” LF woofer, 4” Uni-Q midrange, 1” vented aluminum dome tweeter with MAT (3-way coaxial) |
| Enclosure | Open-backed, in-wall | Open-backed, in-ceiling |
| Mounting Cutout | 660mm (H) x 209mm (W) | 300mm (11.81 in) |
| Dimensions | 26.8” x 9.1” x 4.2” (680 x 230 x 105.7 mm) | 13.6” x 13.6” x 6.9” (346 x 346 x 175 mm) (168mm mounting depth) |
| Weight | 26.5 lbs (12 kg) | 13.2 lbs (6 kg) |
| Sensitivity | 89dB | 89dB |
| Impedance | 4 ohms | 8 ohms |
| Power Handling | 50-350W recommended amplifier power | 50-250W recommended amplifier power |
| Frequency Response | 43Hz-28kHz +/-6dB (manufacturer, open-backed) | 28Hz-20kHz +/-6dB (manufacturer, open-backed) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 58.6Hz (measured, spinorama.org ASR data) | 51.3Hz (measured, spinorama.org ASR data) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 36Hz (measured, spinorama.org ASR data) | 23.3Hz (measured, spinorama.org ASR data) |
| Certification | THX Ultra2 | THX |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.32 | 4.67 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.83 | 6.68 |
| 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 Ci3160RLM-THX (measured by Audio Science Review) and KEF CI250RRM-THX (measured by Audio Science Review), via spinorama.org.
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