KEF’s New Audiophile Loudspeakers are Designed for Bespoke Home Theater Systems

KEF is continuing its hot streak.

In recent weeks, the famed British audio manufacturer has reimagined its Muo portable Bluetooth speaker (which was originally released in 2015), refreshed its $35,000 Blade loudspeakers, and introduced a new active speaker system that is inspired by its Coda loudspeakers from the 1970s.

Now, KEF is coming out with new high-end loudspeakers that aim to elevate your home theater while also blending into your home.

KEF’s New Architectural Speakers

KEF

KEF makes a variety of in-wall loudspeakers that it categorizes as its “architectural speakers,” which are designed to be professionally installed and rest flush in a room’s walls (or ceiling).

Of these architectural speakers, the “Extreme Home Theatre” is KEF’s premium line. And now it has added two new models, the Ci3120QLM-THX and the Ci5120QLM-THX, to this premium range.

According to the brand, they set “a new standard for architectural speakers.”

KEF

KEF’s signature Uni-Q driver

Both these newest models feature KEF’s latest-and-greatest 12th-generation Uni-Q driver, which features its innovative Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT), helping deliver purer, distortion-free sound. This is the same driver that KEF features in its other high-end loudspeaker lines.

On either side of this Uni-Q driver, KEF has given each loudspeaker specially designed 4.75-inch bass drivers “that offer long throw capabilities and very low distortion, delivering deep, clean bass even from a compact driver.” The Ci3120QLM-THX has two of these bass drivers, while the Ci5120QLM-THX contains four.

KEF

Both models carry various THX certifications, meaning that, according to KEF, they exceed “the rigorous requirements for output levels, frequency response, distortion, and recreating high-impact cinema sound with best-in-class audio fidelity.”

The Ci3120QLM-THX has been awarded the “THX Certified Select” certification, making it a good fit for medium-sized rooms. The Ci5120QLM-THX has been rated “THX Certified Ultra,” making it suitable for larger rooms.

KEF

Both models have been designed to be discreet. They have an ultra-thin bezel that KEF claims offers “the slimmest visible rim around
the speaker.”

And each comes with a magnetic metal grille that you can keep on or remove (depending on whether you want the drivers exposed). Also, this grille is paintable, so you can match it to your walls.

Price and availability

Both of these architectural speakers are available now from KEF’s website. The Ci3120QLM-THX and the Ci5120QLM-THX are priced at $1,300 and $1,700, respectively.

KEF

KEF Ci3120QLM-THX

• $1,300 at KEF

KEF

KEF Ci5120QLM-THX

• $1,700 at KEF

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