KEF Ci130QRfl 5.25 Inch Ceiling Round Frameless Single Speaker

Flush Architectural Sound With Almost No Visible Frame

The KEF Ci130QRfl is a passive 5.25" round architectural speaker designed to sit flush with the finished wall or ceiling. Its frameless plaster-in design is intended for spaces where clean architecture and minimal visual impact matter as much as sound quality.

The Ci130QRfl uses KEF's Uni-Q driver array with a 5.25" mid/bass driver and 0.75" tweeter, providing wide dispersion for music, TV audio, whole-home listening, and discreet architectural systems.

Key Specifications

• Speaker type: Passive frameless architectural speaker
• Installation: In-wall or in-ceiling
• Format: Round
• LF/MF driver: 130 mm (5.25") Uni-Q
• HF driver: 19 mm (0.75")
• Nominal impedance: 8 Ω
• Sensitivity: 87 dB (2.83 V / 1 m)
• Frequency response: 45 Hz–34 kHz (±6 dB, open-backed)
• Frequency range: 38 Hz–30 kHz (-10 dB)
• Crossover frequency: 3.8 kHz
• Recommended amplifier power: 10–100 W
• Recommended high-pass filter: 50 Hz
• Nominal coverage: 130°
• Maximum SPL: 103 dB

Who Should Choose the Ci130QRfl?

Choose the Ci130QRfl when the architectural finish is a major part of the buying decision. Unlike a conventional architectural speaker with a visible outer bezel, this model is designed to integrate into the plastering process so the finished speaker sits flush with the surrounding wall or ceiling.

It is especially useful in living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, media spaces, and design-focused interiors where you want high-quality distributed audio without a conventional speaker frame.

Passive Speaker and Amplifier Requirements

The Ci130QRfl is completely passive. It does not include a built-in amplifier, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, streaming, or app control.

KEF recommends 10–100 W of amplifier power and specifies an 8-ohm nominal impedance. Connect it to a compatible amplifier or AV receiver using appropriate in-wall rated speaker wire.

The 10–100 W figure is KEF's recommended amplifier range, not an RMS or peak power-handling specification.

Uni-Q With 130-Degree Coverage

The Ci130QRfl combines a 5.25" Uni-Q driver with a 0.75" tweeter positioned at its acoustic center. KEF also uses its Tangerine Waveguide to help control high-frequency dispersion.

KEF specifies approximately 130° nominal coverage, helping distribute sound across a wider listening area without requiring the listener to remain in one narrow position.

Frequency Response and System Setup

KEF specifies an open-backed frequency response of 45 Hz–34 kHz at ±6 dB and a broader 38 Hz–30 kHz range at -10 dB. KEF recommends a 50 Hz high-pass filter.

A subwoofer is optional for normal music and distributed-audio use, but it can provide deeper low-frequency extension for more demanding music and home theater systems.

Frameless Plaster-In Installation

The Ci130QRfl is specifically designed for new construction and retrofit applications where the speaker can be integrated into the finished wall or ceiling. KEF states that it can be installed as part of the plastering process so the finished speaker sits completely flush with the surrounding surface.

This installation method is different from a standard drop-in architectural speaker. Plan the speaker position and finishing process before installation so the plaster-in edge and magnetic grille can be finished correctly.

Installation Dimensions

• External diameter: 200.6 mm (7.9")
• Overall depth: 104.6 mm (4.12")
• Cutout diameter: 158 mm (6.22")
• Mounting depth: 101 mm (3.98")
• Current mounting thickness: Approximately 7–31 mm (0.276–1.22")
• Net weight: Approximately 1.45 kg (3.19 lb)

Confirm framing, cavity depth, electrical wiring, HVAC, plumbing, and the planned wall or ceiling finishing method before cutting or plastering.

Rear Volume and Accessories

KEF currently lists approximately 15 liters as the ideal rear volume and 10 liters as the minimum rear volume.

KEF's current product page lists the RIF130R as an optional rough-in frame. KEF does not currently list a dedicated optional rear enclosure for the Ci130QRfl.

Magnetic Paintable Grille

The magnetic grille attaches to the finished speaker and can be painted to coordinate with the surrounding décor. Follow KEF's painting guidance so the grille perforations remain open.

Speaker Connections

Gold-plated spring-loaded binding posts provide the speaker-wire connection. Appropriate speaker wire is required and sold separately.

What's Included?

• KEF Ci130QRfl architectural speaker
• Magnetic paintable grille
• Integrated installation components
• Product documentation

The amplifier or AV receiver, speaker wire, optional RIF130R rough-in frame, finishing materials, and other installation-specific materials are sold separately.

Complete Your Audio System

• In-Wall & In-Ceiling Speakers
• Amplifiers
• Speaker Wire

Need Help Planning the Installation?

Send Bear Security Shop your room dimensions, wall or ceiling construction, amplifier model, and planned speaker quantity. We can help check amplification, cutout and cavity requirements, speaker spacing, and whether the frameless Ci130QRfl is the right choice for your project.

Is the KEF Ci130QRfl sold individually or as a pair?

Bear Security Shop currently lists this product as a single speaker. KEF's current manufacturer page does not state a retail selling-unit quantity, so the Bear selling unit should be confirmed against the distributor SKU and packaging.

Can the Ci130QRfl be installed in a wall or ceiling?

Yes. KEF specifically states that the Ci130QRfl can be installed flush in either a wall or ceiling.

What makes the Ci130QRfl different from a standard in-ceiling speaker?

Its frameless design is intended to integrate into the plastering process so the finished speaker sits flush with the surrounding wall or ceiling rather than leaving a conventional outer bezel visible.

Is the Ci130QRfl powered or passive?

It is passive and requires an external amplifier or AV receiver plus speaker wire.

What amplifier power does KEF recommend?

KEF recommends 10–100 W of amplifier power. This is an amplifier recommendation, not an RMS or peak power-handling rating.

What is the impedance?

The Ci130QRfl has an 8-ohm nominal impedance.

What is the frequency response?

KEF specifies 45 Hz–34 kHz at ±6 dB open-backed and a 38 Hz–30 kHz range at -10 dB.

How wide is the coverage?

KEF specifies approximately 130° nominal coverage.

What high-pass filter does KEF recommend?

KEF recommends a 50 Hz high-pass filter.

What cutout size is required?

The Ci130QRfl requires a 158 mm, or approximately 6.22", round cutout.

How much mounting depth is required?

KEF specifies approximately 101 mm, or 3.98", of mounting depth.

Is a rough-in frame available?

KEF's current product page lists the RIF130R as an optional rough-in frame. It is sold separately.

Is a rear enclosure available?

KEF currently lists no dedicated optional rear enclosure for the Ci130QRfl.

What rear volume does KEF recommend?

KEF specifies approximately 15 liters as ideal rear volume and 10 liters as the minimum.

Is the grille paintable?

Yes. The magnetic grille can be painted to better match the surrounding wall or ceiling finish.

What should I confirm before ordering?

Confirm the selling quantity, 8-ohm amplifier compatibility, 6.22" cutout, approximately 3.98" mounting depth, available cavity volume, and whether your wall or ceiling construction supports the required frameless plaster-in installation.