Audio T Verdict
The Monitor Audio C165 is a straightforward way of getting proper loudspeaker performance into a room without having conventional speaker cabinets taking up space. Once installed, almost everything disappears into the ceiling apart from the discreet grille.
Its 6.5-inch MMP II bass driver gives it useful scale, while the pivoting C-CAM Gold Dome tweeter lets you direct the higher frequencies towards the main listening area rather than simply firing them straight down into the room.
Add the adjustable treble level, shallow 116mm mounting depth and secure Tri-Grip installation system and the C165 makes a great deal of sense for multi-room music, discreet Hi-Fi and home cinema installations.
Monitor Audio C165
The C165 is a discreet two-way in-ceiling loudspeaker from Monitor Audio's Basics architectural speaker range.
It combines a 6.5-inch MMP II bass driver with a 1-inch C-CAM Gold Dome tweeter, giving it the wide frequency response and dispersion required for high-quality music and home cinema installations without introducing conventional loudspeaker cabinets into the room.
- Two-way in-ceiling loudspeaker
- 6.5-inch MMP II bass driver
- 1-inch C-CAM Gold Dome tweeter
- Pivoting tweeter design
- Adjustable high-frequency level
- 60Hz to 25kHz frequency response
- Three-position Tri-Grip fixings
- Shallow 116mm mounting depth
- Paintable white round grille supplied
- Optional square and premium grilles
- Sold individually
Discreet In-Ceiling Sound
Architectural loudspeakers are designed for situations where good sound is required without filling the room with visible loudspeaker cabinets.
Once installed, the main body of the C165 sits within the ceiling cavity, leaving only the grille visible in the room.
This makes it particularly useful for kitchens, dining areas, bedrooms, open-plan spaces and other rooms where conventional speakers may be inconvenient or visually intrusive.
6.5-Inch MMP II Bass Driver
Low and mid frequencies are handled by a 6.5-inch MMP II cone driver.
MMP II stands for Metal Matrix Polymer II, a Monitor Audio cone technology developed to provide the combination of stiffness and low moving mass required for controlled loudspeaker reproduction.
The relatively generous 6.5-inch driver size also gives the C165 useful bass extension for an architectural speaker, with Monitor Audio specifying a response extending down to 60Hz.
C-CAM Gold Dome Tweeter
High frequencies are reproduced by Monitor Audio's 1-inch C-CAM Gold Dome tweeter.
C-CAM stands for Ceramic-Coated Aluminium Magnesium and is one of Monitor Audio's long-established metal diaphragm technologies.
The tweeter provides high-frequency extension out to 25kHz while its compact design allows it to be incorporated neatly into the centre of the C165.
Pivoting Tweeter
Unlike a fixed tweeter that fires directly down from the ceiling, the C165's Gold Dome tweeter can be pivoted towards the preferred listening area.
This allows the high-frequency output to be aimed more precisely towards seating or listening positions and can help improve clarity and stereo imaging within the room.
It is particularly useful when the speaker cannot be installed directly above or equally spaced around the main listening position.
Aiming the Tweeter
Once the C165 is installed, angle the pivoting tweeter towards the principal listening area rather than automatically leaving it pointing vertically downwards. In larger installations, each tweeter can be aimed to help create more even coverage across the room.
Adjustable High-Frequency Level
The C165 includes a three-position high-frequency level switch with +3dB, 0dB and -3dB settings.
This provides a useful degree of adjustment after installation, allowing the treble output to be fine-tuned according to room acoustics, speaker placement and personal preference.
Rooms with large amounts of soft furnishing may benefit from a little additional high-frequency energy, while brighter rooms with harder reflective surfaces may suit the reduced setting.
60Hz to 25kHz Frequency Response
Monitor Audio specifies a frequency response of 60Hz to 25kHz.
This gives the C165 sufficient range for general music reproduction as well as surround and effects duties within a home cinema system.
A dedicated subwoofer can still be added where greater low-frequency extension or more powerful home cinema bass is required.
88.5dB Sensitivity
The C165 has a specified sensitivity of 88.5dB at 1W/1m.
Nominal impedance is 6 ohms, making the speaker suitable for use with a wide range of conventional amplifiers and installation amplifiers.
Monitor Audio recommends amplifier power between 20 and 65 watts.
65W Power Handling
The C165 has a specified RMS power handling of 65 watts.
Monitor Audio also quotes a maximum sound pressure level of 107.4dBA, giving the speaker useful output capability for background music, everyday listening and home cinema applications.
As with any installed speaker system, the required volume levels, number of speakers and size of the room should all be considered when choosing amplification.
Shallow Installation Depth
The C165 has been designed to fit into relatively shallow ceiling cavities.
Its key installation dimensions are:
- Overall diameter: 250mm
- Overall depth including grille: 120mm
- Mounting depth: 116mm
- Cut-out diameter: 211mm
- Weight: 1.92kg
Checking the available cavity depth and the position of joists, cables, pipework and other services before cutting the ceiling is essential.
Check Before Cutting
The C165 requires a 211mm circular ceiling cut-out and 116mm mounting depth. Always check the ceiling cavity for joists, electrical cabling, plumbing and other obstructions before making the cut-out. If you are unsure about the installation, use a suitably qualified installer.
Tri-Grip Installation System
The C165 uses Monitor Audio's three-position Tri-Grip dog fixing system to secure the loudspeaker within the ceiling.
The fixings clamp the speaker against the rear of the ceiling surface as they are tightened, helping create a secure and even installation without requiring a separate visible mounting frame.
The speaker chassis itself is manufactured from mineral-filled ABS.
Paintable Round Grille
Each C165 is supplied with Monitor Audio's white CM-Round grille.
The grille can be painted where required, allowing it to blend more closely with the colour of the surrounding ceiling.
Optional square and premium grilles are also available for installations where a different appearance is preferred.
Optional Square Grille
The C165 can be fitted with an optional square grille measuring approximately 249 x 249mm.
This allows installers and homeowners to choose between a conventional round architectural speaker appearance and a square finish where that better suits the room or lighting layout.
Pre-Construction and Back Box Options
Monitor Audio lists the CM-B pre-construction bracket as compatible with the C165.
For installations requiring an enclosure behind the speaker, the compatible CSM-BOX back box is also available.
These accessories can be particularly useful when the speaker installation is being planned as part of a renovation or new-build project.
Where Can You Use the C165?
Music and Multi-Room
- Kitchens and dining rooms
- Bedrooms
- Open-plan living spaces
- Whole-house audio systems
- Discreet background or serious listening
Home Cinema
- Surround-channel duties
- Overhead effects
- Discrete multi-channel installations
- Use with conventional cabinet speakers
- Subwoofer integration where required
C165 or C180?
The C165 uses a 6.5-inch bass driver and offers a useful balance between output, installation size and mounting depth.
The larger Monitor Audio C180 moves to an 8-inch MMP II driver and provides greater power handling and low-frequency capability, making it more suitable for larger spaces or installations requiring greater output.
For many normal domestic rooms, the smaller C165 is likely to be the easier model to accommodate while still providing convincing full-range performance.
Sold Individually
The Monitor Audio C165 is supplied as a single speaker.
Two C165 speakers are therefore required for a conventional stereo pair, while larger multi-room and home cinema installations can use as many individual speakers as the system requires.
Key Features
- Monitor Audio C165
- Basics architectural range
- In-ceiling loudspeaker
- Sold individually
- Two-way design
- 6.5-inch MMP II bass driver
- 1-inch C-CAM Gold Dome tweeter
- Pivoting tweeter
- +3dB / 0dB / -3dB HF adjustment
- 60Hz to 25kHz frequency response
- 6-ohm nominal impedance
- 88.5dB sensitivity
- 107.4dBA maximum SPL
- 65W RMS power handling
- 20 to 65W recommended amplifier power
- 250mm overall diameter
- 120mm overall depth
- 116mm mounting depth
- 211mm cut-out diameter
- Three-position Tri-Grip fixings
- Mineral-filled ABS construction
- White round grille supplied
- Paintable grille
- Optional square grille
- Optional premium grille
- CM-B pre-construction bracket compatible
- CSM-BOX compatible
- 1.92kg weight
- Lifetime manufacturer warranty
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Monitor Audio C165 sold individually?
Yes. The C165 is supplied as a single in-ceiling speaker with a white round grille.
How many C165 speakers do I need for stereo?
You need two C165 speakers for a conventional left and right stereo installation.
What size bass driver does the C165 use?
It uses a 6.5-inch MMP II cone bass driver.
What tweeter does the C165 use?
The C165 uses a 1-inch C-CAM Gold Dome tweeter.
Can the tweeter be aimed?
Yes. The C-CAM Gold Dome tweeter pivots, allowing its high-frequency output to be directed towards the preferred listening area.
Can I adjust the treble level?
Yes. A three-position high-frequency switch provides +3dB, 0dB and -3dB settings.
What is the frequency response?
Monitor Audio specifies a frequency response of 60Hz to 25kHz.
What is the sensitivity?
88.5dB at 1 watt measured at 1 metre.
What is the impedance?
The C165 has a nominal impedance of 6 ohms.
What amplifier power does Monitor Audio recommend?
Monitor Audio recommends an amplifier rated between 20 and 65 watts.
What is the power handling?
The C165 has an RMS power-handling specification of 65 watts.
What size hole does the C165 require?
The required circular cut-out diameter is 211mm.
How much ceiling depth is required?
The C165 requires a mounting depth of 116mm.
What is the overall diameter?
The speaker measures 250mm in diameter including its grille.
Can the grille be painted?
Yes. The supplied white grille can be painted to help it blend with the surrounding ceiling.
Can I fit a square grille?
Yes. Monitor Audio offers an optional square grille for the C165, as well as a premium grille option.
Does the C165 have a back box?
Monitor Audio lists the CSM-BOX as the compatible optional back box for the C165.
Is there a pre-construction bracket?
Yes. Monitor Audio specifies the CM-B pre-construction bracket for the C165.
Can the C165 be used for home cinema?
Yes. The C165 can be incorporated into discreet multi-channel speaker installations as well as stereo and whole-house audio systems.
What warranty does the Monitor Audio C165 have?
Monitor Audio currently specifies a lifetime manufacturer warranty for the C165.
Related Monitor Audio Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy Monitor Audio From Audio T?
Installing ceiling speakers requires a little more planning than placing a conventional pair of loudspeakers in a room. Audio T can help you choose the right Monitor Audio architectural speakers, work out the quantity and positioning required and match them with suitable amplification.
- Monitor Audio system advice
- In-ceiling speaker planning
- Multi-room system advice
- Home cinema speaker planning
- Amplifier matching
- Speaker positioning guidance
- Subwoofer integration
- Room-size advice
- Installation accessory advice
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store to discuss a Monitor Audio C165 installation or the right architectural speakers for your system.