KEF Introduces Flagship In-Wall Loudspeakers

I have used six KEF's Ci2000 in-wall speakers for the last four years and have been greatly impressed by their performance in clarity, imaging and sheer output. They literally put you in the action.

As the flagship system of the KEF Home Theater family, the KHT9000 ACE has received high praise from reviewers, audiophiles and custom installers for outstanding sonic performance. And now, KEF has just introduced the new Ci Series 9000 ACE UNI-Q In-Wall Loudspeaker as the latest in its award-winning Ci Architectural Series of custom-install loudspeakers (FYI: Ci stands for "custom install"). The new Ci9000 ACE speaker envelopes you with great, pure, rich sound, which is a rare performance for an in-wall speaker. In large part this can be traced to the revolutionary ACE (Acoustic Compliance Enhancement) technology and KEF's famous Uni-Q drivers that create a widely dispersed sound pattern and lifelike soundstage. With the introduction of the Ci9000ACE, KEF gives home entertainment system installers and owners the power to design a virtually invisible home theater that truly rivals the performance of free-standing speakers.

"Homeowners love in-wall speaker systems because they have virtually no impact on the surrounding decor, but by nature in-wall speakers are challenged at producing wide dispersion patterns and frequently lack bass impact," said Alec Chanin, president of KEF America, and an all-around good guy. "The Ci9000ACE overcomes these liabilities with the incorporation of our propriety ACE and Uni-Q technologies. This speaker creates the robust performance of a free-standing speaker without altering a home's interior. It's the perfect solution for someone who wants their audio system to deliver incredible sound without compromising interior design decor."

The 6-1/2" Uni-Q driver array brings out the full depth and texture of vocals, whether sung, shouted, spoken or whispered, achieving a distinct "vocal intelligibility" or crisp transparency to all dialogue. On either side, a matching pair of long throw bass drivers with ultra-low distortion motors provide low frequency response that's as lucid as it is gutsy. And thanks to KEF's Acoustic Compliance Enhancement (ACE) technology, a level of bass extension that's only normally obtainable with much larger speakers.

The new Ci Series 9000ACE provides more range, more depth, and is more alive. Purpose built for flush mounting into walls, the 3-way Ci9000ACE combines 150W power handling and 88dB sensitivity. The Ci9000ACE features a 6-1/2" polypropylene cone midrange unit with a coincident mounted, twin neodymium magnet, aluminum dome, high frequency unit and two 6-1/2" bass drivers in a sealed back-box. High frequency output can be increased through alternative terminal connection to compensate for grille coverings.

The Ci9000ACE comes complete with two grille options: a black cloth covered grille, or a white overhanging grille. Also included is a customizable plain grille frame, which can be painted to match virtually any setting, perfect for consumers who wish to use a fabric or covering of their choice.

The Ci Series 9000ACE will be available to KEF dealers in Mid-November, at around $900.

For additional information about KEF America and its award-winning products, please visit www.kefamerica.com.

John Lentz