KEF's Ci160ES (E=E Series, S=Square) is designed, manufactured, and voiced to the same exacting standards as all KEF products meaning that it be used as part of a wide variety of KEF-based speaker systems without worrying about tonal compatibility.

This new model complements the entry-level E Series, which already features 130mm (5.25-inch), 160mm (6.5-inch), and 200mm (8-inch) round, in-ceiling speakers.

 
The heart of the Ci160ES is a 160mm (6.5-inch) Uni-Q driver array. KEF's Uni-Q technology places the 16mm (0.6-inch) aluminium dome tweeter at the acoustic centre of the bass/midrange cone. This single point source design is said to eliminate the small 'sweet spot' effect suffered by conventional loudspeakers, a significant consideration with architectural speakers. Furthermore, the Ci160ES has a claimed 52Hz-20kHz +/- 6 dB frequency response, and (-10dB) 46Hz - 45kHz frequency range.

Additionally, the Ci160ES also boasts an IP64 rating, meaning the speaker is both dust and splash-proof, opening it up to use anywhere from living rooms to kitchens and bathrooms. They can even be used in protected outdoor areas, such as under eaves.

Other features include paintable magnetic grilles and ultra-thin bezel (UTB), which apparently is one of the slimmest profile surrounds on the market, making the Ci160ES very discreet.

The KEF Ci160ES is available from October, priced at £250 per pair.