Short answer: the KEF Ci3160RLM-THX. It ranks #1 of 18 in-wall speakers by sound quality, rated 4.5/5, at $4,579.98. The Revel W126Be ranks #3, rated 4.3/5, at $3,849.90, $730.08 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
The case for the KEF Ci3160RLM-THX: Independently measured by Audio Science Review on a Klippel rig to a genuine 58.6Hz at -3dB and roughly 36Hz at -10dB, with an on-axis slope of just -0.02dB per octave, essentially flat. The catch: At $2290 each, a stereo pair runs roughly $4,600, among the most expensive options in this category.
Why pick the Revel W126Be: Revel’s own measurement, published on spinorama.org, gives a preference score of 5.39, or 7.97 with a perfect subwoofer, with a smooth predicted in-room response (0.85 smoothness). The tradeoff: The measurement comes from Revel, digitized from its published curves, and has no independent second test, so treat the figures as manufacturer supplied.
Buy the KEF Ci3160RLM-THX. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $730.08 saving on the Revel W126Be is not enough to make up the difference.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| KEF Ci3160RLM-THX | Revel W126Be | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4,579.98 per pair | $3,849.90 per pair |
| Ranked | #1 of 18 in In-Wall & In-Ceiling Speakers | #3 of 18 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) | 6.5” Deep Ceramic Composite (DCC) aluminum cone woofer, 1” beryllium dome tweeter with acoustic lens waveguide (2-way) |
| Enclosure | Open-backed, in-wall | In-wall, 9-18L enclosure (optional W126BEBB back box sold separately) |
| Mounting Cutout | 660mm (H) x 209mm (W) | 226W x 357H mm |
| Dimensions | 26.8” x 9.1” x 4.2” (680 x 230 x 105.7 mm) | 15.6”H x 10.2”W x 3.8”D (395 x 260 x 97 mm) (88.7mm mounting depth) |
| Weight | 26.5 lbs (12 kg) | 10.4 lbs (4.7 kg) |
| Sensitivity | 89dB | 89dB |
| Impedance | 4 ohms | 6 ohms nominal (4 ohm minimum) |
| Power Handling | 50-350W recommended amplifier power | 50-150W RMS at 4 ohms |
| Frequency Response | 43Hz-28kHz +/-6dB (manufacturer, open-backed) | 55Hz-40kHz (-6dB, manufacturer) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 58.6Hz (measured, spinorama.org ASR data) | 89.7Hz (measured, Revel vendor data on spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 36Hz (measured, spinorama.org ASR data) | 42.5Hz (measured, Revel vendor data on spinorama.org) |
| Certification | THX Ultra2 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.32 | 5.39 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.83 | 7.97 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Maximum SPL | - | 105dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 2,100Hz |
Related Speaker Comparisons
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Prices on this page were last checked September 26, 2026 at 11:14 PM 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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The Two Speakers In Full
KEF Ci3160RLM-THX: $4,579.98 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: Independently measured by Audio Science Review on a Klippel rig to a genuine 58.6Hz at -3dB and roughly 36Hz at -10dB, with an on-axis slope of just -0.02dB per octave, essentially flat. Directivity is the most consistent of any in-wall or in-ceiling speaker in this category, with the tightest spread in its sound-power directivity index across the measured band. The rotatable, tiltable driver module (the RLM in its name) lets the tweeter and midrange aim toward the listening area even when the cabinet itself has to be installed off to one side. THX Ultra2 certified, with a 4-driver, 3-way layout: dual 6.5” woofers flanking a 6.5” Uni-Q coaxial midrange/tweeter. Measured bass extension of 58.6Hz (-3dB).
Cons: At $2290 each, a stereo pair runs roughly $4,600, among the most expensive options in this category. Listening-window and sound-power smoothness are moderate rather than class-leading, meaning some unevenness remains once you move off the main listening axis despite the flat on-axis trace. The 660 x 209mm cutout and 106mm mounting depth are large enough that they won’t fit inside a standard 2x4 wall stud bay without modification.
Full KEF Ci3160RLM-THX review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 36Hz (measured, spinorama.org ASR data) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 58.6Hz (measured, spinorama.org ASR data) |
| Certification | THX Ultra2 |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 26.8” x 9.1” x 4.2” (680 x 230 x 105.7 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 6.5” LF woofers, 6.5” Uni-Q coaxial midrange, 1” vented aluminum dome tweeter with MAT (rotatable/tiltable module) |
| Enclosure | Open-backed, in-wall |
| Frequency Response | 43Hz-28kHz +/-6dB (manufacturer, open-backed) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms |
| Mounting Cutout | 660mm (H) x 209mm (W) |
| Power Handling | 50-350W recommended amplifier power |
| Sensitivity | 89dB |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.32 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.83 |
| Weight | 26.5 lbs (12 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Revel W126Be: $3,849.90 per pair Crutchfield eBay
Pros: Revel’s own measurement, published on spinorama.org, gives a preference score of 5.39, or 7.97 with a perfect subwoofer, with a smooth predicted in-room response (0.85 smoothness). Directivity is tightly controlled (SPDI deviation 2.01dB) and on-axis deviation averages only 0.34dB. Bass measures to 62.6Hz at -6dB. It pairs a 1” beryllium dome tweeter and acoustic lens waveguide with a 6.5” aluminum cone woofer, rated at 89dB sensitivity and 105dB maximum output. Measured bass extension of 89.7Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The measurement comes from Revel, digitized from its published curves, and has no independent second test, so treat the figures as manufacturer supplied. Bass is limited, with -3dB at 89.7Hz, so a subwoofer is needed for full range sound. At $1925 each a stereo pair costs twice that, and the optional back box is sold separately. A single 6.5” woofer gives less output than the dual-woofer W226Be.
Full Revel W126Be review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42.5Hz (measured, Revel vendor data on spinorama.org) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 89.7Hz (measured, Revel vendor data on spinorama.org) |
| Crossover Frequency | 2,100Hz |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 15.6”H x 10.2”W x 3.8”D (395 x 260 x 97 mm) (88.7mm mounting depth) |
| Drivers | 6.5” Deep Ceramic Composite (DCC) aluminum cone woofer, 1” beryllium dome tweeter with acoustic lens waveguide (2-way) |
| Enclosure | In-wall, 9-18L enclosure (optional W126BEBB back box sold separately) |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz-40kHz (-6dB, manufacturer) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal (4 ohm minimum) |
| Maximum SPL | 105dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Mounting Cutout | 226W x 357H mm |
| Power Handling | 50-150W RMS at 4 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 89dB |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.39 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.97 |
| Weight | 10.4 lbs (4.7 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons