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KEF ci250RRM-THX In-ceiling Speaker Review

Rate this In-ceiling Speaker

  • 1. Poor (headless panther)

    Votes: 5 2.9%
  • 2. Not terrible (postman panther)

    Votes: 3 1.8%
  • 3. Fine (happy panther)

    Votes: 71 41.8%
  • 4. Great (golfing panther)

    Votes: 91 53.5%

  • Total voters
    170
... But aren't these better suited as in ceiling LCR? That's how I'd use them, especially if I were using a TV over a projector. If I'm using a projector, then I'll have the speakers behind the screen.

I think these are incredible and would definitely be using them for my next theatre.
In top of the screen you mean, I wonder how much a ceiling LCR will detriment the special effect in an ATMOS configuration, as you are losing important points of sound reference, unless is a big room and you are seated quite far from the screen, but if you are not interested in ATMOS I guess they will sound great.
 
I think hearing the LCR sound coming from above your head would feel unnatural. It would primarily serve as a high-end Atmos speaker.
Possibly, yes. I'd love to hear the implementation before splashing my cash!

However, as high-end Atmos speakers, I just couldn't justify these. I highly doubt there is much low end info being sent to Atmos speakers to make these worthwhile having.
 
In top of the screen you mean, I wonder how much a ceiling LCR will detriment the special effect in an ATMOS configuration, as you are losing important points of sound reference, unless is a big room and you are seated quite far from the screen, but if you are not interested in ATMOS I guess they will sound great.

I should have clarified, if I was going with a projector, I'd go with standard LCR speakers behind the screen, not these in ceiling ones. I really only see the benefit for where you'd be using a TV and couldn't put speakers behind the screen. This is what I'm hoping to do for my next theatre if we get near to having affordable 120" TVs.

You make a good point on whether having them in the ceiling as LCR will possibly have a detrimental affect on the Atmos speakers. I guess speaker layout and positioning will play a big part in getting it right.
 
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The most classic application for this is a high-end home's living room. A TV in the shelving but nowhere to put the speakers except in the ceiling.
 
Seems fitting you that in the circumstances you describe, there is but a single one of those.
I don't like this system at all because, as someone mentioned, I live in Europe and would have to break through my neighbor's floor to install these
 
I don't like this system at all because, as someone mentioned, I live in Europe and would have to break through my neighbor's floor to install these
You could alternately build a false ceiling to install it in.
 
The most classic application for this is a high-end home's living room. A TV in the shelving but nowhere to put the speakers except in the ceiling.
An in-wall speaker on the back wall seems like a better choice for sound quality than mounting the CI250RRM-THX on the ceiling.
IMG_4636.jpeg
 
The most classic application for this is a high-end home's living room. A TV in the shelving but nowhere to put the speakers except in the ceiling.

Another application for which MF/HF angled to the listeners is a good idea.
 
An in-wall speaker on the back wall seems like a better choice for sound quality than mounting the CI250RRM-THX on the ceiling.
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Sure, but with cabinetry on the wall that setup becomes rather sub-optimal. LCRs on the ceiling are obviously highly sub-optimal, but sometimes that's the only option because the cabinetry is non-negotiable.

On a side note, it continues to annoy me that marketing images always place the in-wall speakers like that. The reason is obvious: has a pleasing symmetry (also doesn't hurt that the TV happens to be exactly as tall as the speakers). But practically speaking, seems like the left and right speakers should be lower to get the tweeters closer to seated ear height. Though with coaxials that's less of an issue.
 
Yes, I had trouble finding it too, but I have seen Cabasse Sfera(4-way) so easy one.
But how much do middle drivers need Xmax?
I see very little rubber surrounding middle?
Like on the vintage like these(My first)
 

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If only the Uni-Q were angled instead of firing straight down. This and their 8” model would be so much compelling for immersive if they were configured properly.
Yes, but their sound is at an angle
 
You could alternately build a false ceiling to install it in.
Even more, the first reflections of the ceiling are stronger and with the fact that these thin drywalls resonate like crazy if they are not made properly.
The work, drywall, dampening materials exceeds the value and amount of the speaker.
 
An in-wall speaker on the back wall seems like a better choice for sound quality than mounting the CI250RRM-THX on the ceiling.
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No interior decorator for a high-end home would allow that let alone the owner. I am talking about this type of home that we did:


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As you see, there are no visible speaker. We actually designed an invisible custom sub that is below the fireplace.
 
No interior decorator for a high-end home would allow that let alone the owner. I am talking about this type of home that we did:


index.php


As you see, there are no visible speaker. We actually designed an invisible custom sub that is below the fireplace.
Yes, I saw your solutions on your website, how you installed speakers in the window frame. And a woofer above the fireplace.
I looked for it in the pictures but couldn't find it even though it says you lit that area?
Well accomplished
 
Possibly, yes. I'd love to hear the implementation before splashing my cash!

However, as high-end Atmos speakers, I just couldn't justify these. I highly doubt there is much low end info being sent to Atmos speakers to make these worthwhile having.
How could you possibly only look at Dolby's recommendations for the Atmos curve?
 

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I don't like this system at all because, as someone mentioned, I live in Europe and would have to break through my neighbor's floor to install these
Out of curiosity, why don't they install drop-ceilings? Squeezing in more floors? I'm in Aus with a recent build (2016) with concrete ceilings, but I also have a — like — 2" drop ceiling with enough room for anything.
 
An in-wall speaker on the back wall seems like a better choice for sound quality than mounting the CI250RRM-THX on the ceiling.
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Don't know. Still looks way too present. I mean the TV alone is kinda acceptable. A simple rectangle shape. But the speakers are optically way too intrusive. Loud, if you will. Centers are the worst, as they have no counterpart. I absolutely love the minimalistic style of this room but the speakers would be the first thing I would rip out and or hide.
 
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How could you possibly only look at Dolby's recommendations for the Atmos curve?
Oh that’s interesting! I’ve not seen that before. Makes me happy that I didn’t splash out on anything more than ci130qr for my Atmos speakers
 
Oh that’s interesting! I’ve not seen that before. Makes me happy that I didn’t splash out on anything more than ci130qr for my Atmos speakers
Off course bro
But as we say here, form follows function.
Like D amplifiers for woofers, AB for medium ones, and preferably a small A amplifier for tweeters, but it is not necessary.
So the people at Dolby realized that people wouldn't be able to install 10" speakers and life-threatening crossovers.
And we all know bass is omnidirectional with that many speakers, woofers...
Hell I am still 5.4 because of lack of space and concrete ceiling.
 
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