Audio T Verdict
The Monitor Audio CF230 takes discreet architectural audio to another level. With a visible grille only 112mm across, it looks more like a compact ceiling light than a conventional in-ceiling loudspeaker once installed.
Despite the remarkably small dimensions, Monitor Audio has managed to combine a 3-inch C-CAM bass-mid driver and 19mm C-CAM Gold Dome tweeter into one coincident driver assembly. The result is a genuine two-way loudspeaker that occupies very little visual space.
Its real strength is installation flexibility. Choose a virtually seamless flush-fit installation during construction or use the dedicated retrofit system in an existing ceiling. For projects where the speakers should be heard rather than seen, the CF230 is one of Monitor Audio's neatest solutions.
Monitor Audio CF230
The CF230 is an ultra-compact architectural loudspeaker from Monitor Audio's Specialist range, developed specifically for installations where visual discretion is every bit as important as sound quality.
A specially developed coincident driver places a 19mm C-CAM Gold Dome tweeter within a 3-inch C-CAM bass-mid driver, creating a complete two-way speaker behind a grille measuring just 112mm in diameter.
- Ultra-discreet architectural loudspeaker
- 3-inch C-CAM bass-mid driver
- 19mm C-CAM Gold Dome tweeter
- Coincident driver arrangement
- High-quality two-way crossover
- Flush-fit or retrofit installation
- Ceiling or standard stud-wall installation
- Round and square grille options
- Paintable white grille
- Only 112mm overall diameter
- 81.5mm mounting depth
- Sold individually
Designed to Disappear
The CF230 has been developed for installations where conventional architectural loudspeakers are simply too visually prominent.
With a grille measuring only 112mm across, the installed speaker can sit neatly alongside flush-fitting lighting and other ceiling fixtures without dominating the room.
The white grille can also be painted to match the surrounding surface, helping the finished installation disappear even further into the room.
Flush-Fit Installation
For new-build and renovation projects, the CF230 can be installed using Monitor Audio's dedicated flush-fit pre-construction brackets.
The CFB3-R provides a round flush-fit installation, while the CFB3-SQ allows the use of a square grille.
With the surrounding ceiling or wall surface finished around the bracket, the installation has no conventional visible speaker frame or trim around the grille.
Planning a Flush-Fit Installation
The flush-fit system is best considered before plasterboard and final surface finishes are completed. Speaker positions, cabling and bracket orientation can then be incorporated into the construction of the room rather than adapted afterwards.
Retrofit Installation
The CF230 is not limited to new construction. Monitor Audio also offers the CFB3-KIT for fitting the speaker into an existing plasterboard ceiling or stud wall.
The retrofit kit creates a firm mounting point behind the plasterboard and allows the compact CF230 to be installed without cutting the much larger opening normally required by a conventional architectural loudspeaker.
Monitor Audio's retrofit installation requires a circular cut-out measuring just 90mm.
Round or Square Grille
The CF230 can be integrated into different interior styles using either round or square grille options.
This is particularly useful when coordinating the loudspeakers with lighting and other architectural fittings. Round speakers can complement conventional downlights, while square grilles may work more naturally alongside square lighting or ventilation fittings.
The white grille is paintable, allowing the final colour to be matched more closely to the ceiling or wall.
3-Inch C-CAM Bass-Mid Driver
The CF230 uses a specially developed 3-inch C-CAM driver to reproduce bass and midrange frequencies.
C-CAM stands for Ceramic-Coated Aluminium Magnesium and is Monitor Audio's long-established rigid, lightweight metal-cone technology.
Using C-CAM allows Monitor Audio to create a compact driver with the rigidity required for controlled movement while keeping the overall speaker and grille dimensions exceptionally small.
Coincident C-CAM Gold Dome Tweeter
A 19mm C-CAM Gold Dome tweeter is mounted coincidentally with the 3-inch bass-mid driver.
Placing both drive units within the same compact assembly helps the CF230 behave as a coherent point source while dramatically reducing the physical size required for a conventional two-way loudspeaker layout.
The arrangement also allows Monitor Audio to retain its familiar C-CAM driver technology within a speaker designed primarily around architectural discretion.
Two-Way Crossover
The bass-mid driver and Gold Dome tweeter are integrated by a dedicated high-quality two-way crossover.
This means the CF230 is a genuine two-way loudspeaker rather than relying on a single miniature full-range driver to reproduce the complete audible spectrum.
Each drive unit can therefore concentrate on the frequency range for which it was designed while the crossover manages the transition between them.
100Hz to 25kHz Frequency Response
Monitor Audio specifies a -6dB frequency response of 100Hz to 25kHz.
The CF230 is deliberately compact, so it is not intended to reproduce deep bass on its own. For background music and lighter listening it can operate full range, while installations requiring greater scale can incorporate bass management and a subwoofer.
Monitor Audio developed the ICS-8 custom-install subwoofer specifically to complement the CF230, providing a discreet route to extending the system into the lower frequencies.
Full-Range or High-Pass Operation
Monitor Audio publishes two sets of power recommendations for the CF230 depending on how it is used.
When operated full range, the CF230 is rated at 30 watts RMS and Monitor Audio recommends amplification between 10 and 30 watts.
When a 120Hz high-pass crossover filter is used to remove deeper bass from the CF230, Monitor Audio specifies up to 100 watts music-program power handling and recommends amplification between 10 and 100 watts.
Why Use a High-Pass Filter?
Removing the deepest bass from a very compact loudspeaker reduces the amount of low-frequency excursion demanded from its bass-mid driver. When the CF230 is partnered with a suitable subwoofer, a 120Hz high-pass crossover allows the small speaker to concentrate on the frequencies it reproduces most effectively.
82.5dB Sensitivity
The CF230 has a sensitivity of 82.5dB at 1W/1m.
Nominal impedance is 8 ohms, making it straightforward to integrate into appropriately designed stereo and multi-channel installation systems.
Monitor Audio specifically designed the CF230 to work effectively in installations using multiple speakers driven from dedicated custom-install amplification.
Maximum Sound Pressure Level
Monitor Audio specifies a maximum sound pressure level of 98dBA per speaker when the CF230 is operated full range.
When used with the recommended high-pass crossover arrangement, maximum output increases to 103.3dBA per speaker.
This difference highlights why bass management is useful when greater output is required from such a physically small loudspeaker.
Designed for Multiple-Speaker Installations
The small dimensions of the CF230 make it particularly suited to installations using several speakers to provide even coverage rather than relying on one larger loudspeaker to fill an entire space.
Monitor Audio suggests that an individual CF230 can provide coverage across an area of approximately 3 square metres with a typical 2.4-metre ceiling height.
Multiple speakers can then be distributed throughout larger rooms and open-plan spaces, creating more consistent sound while maintaining an exceptionally discreet appearance.
Ceiling or Stud-Wall Installation
Although primarily described as an in-ceiling speaker, Monitor Audio also allows the CF230 to be installed into conventional stud-wall construction.
This opens up additional possibilities for rooms where conventional in-wall speakers would be too large or visually intrusive.
The choice between ceiling and wall mounting can therefore be made according to the room layout, required coverage and overall interior design.
Completely Enclosed Rear Assembly
The rear of the CF230 driver assembly is completely enclosed.
Monitor Audio also incorporates a fine protective mesh intended to help prevent dust and residual building material from entering the loudspeaker mechanism.
This is particularly useful for an architectural product that spends its working life hidden inside a ceiling or wall cavity.
Compact Installation Dimensions
The CF230 is dramatically smaller than most conventional architectural speakers.
- Overall diameter including grille: 112mm
- Mounting depth: 81.5mm
- Retrofit cut-out diameter: 90mm
- Flush-fit cut-out diameter: 120mm
- Weight: 0.44kg
The shallow 81.5mm mounting depth also helps the CF230 fit into spaces where the ceiling or wall cavity cannot accommodate a larger architectural loudspeaker.
Check the Installation Before Cutting
The required opening depends on whether the CF230 is being installed using the flush-fit or retrofit system. Flush-fit installation uses a 120mm opening, while retrofit installation uses a 90mm opening. Always check the appropriate Monitor Audio installation instructions, cavity depth, joist positions, cabling and other services before cutting the ceiling or wall.
Gold-Plated Connections
The CF230 uses sprung push-type speaker terminals with gold-plated contacts.
The connection arrangement is designed to keep installation straightforward while maintaining a secure electrical connection inside the ceiling or wall cavity.
Which CF230 Installation Method?
Flush-Fit Installation
- Ideal for new construction or major renovation
- 120mm cut-out
- CFB3-R round bracket available
- CFB3-SQ square bracket available
- Minimal visible edge around the grille
Retrofit Installation
- Designed for existing plasterboard surfaces
- 90mm cut-out
- Uses CFB3-KIT retrofit bracket
- Requires only a compact opening
- Useful where construction is already complete
Sold Individually
The Monitor Audio CF230 is supplied as a single speaker.
This allows the number of loudspeakers to be selected according to the size, shape and intended coverage of the room rather than forcing an installation into conventional stereo pairs.
For stereo applications, speakers can be configured as left and right channels, while larger distributed-audio systems can use multiple CF230s across the room.
Key Features
- Monitor Audio CF230
- Specialist architectural range
- Ultra-discreet installation speaker
- In-ceiling or stud-wall installation
- Sold individually
- Two-way design
- 3-inch C-CAM bass-mid driver
- 19mm C-CAM Gold Dome tweeter
- Coincident driver configuration
- High-quality two-way crossover
- 100Hz to 25kHz frequency response
- 82.5dB sensitivity
- 8-ohm nominal impedance
- 30W RMS full-range power handling
- 100W music power with 120Hz high-pass filter
- 10 to 30W amplifier recommendation full range
- 10 to 100W amplifier recommendation with high-pass filter
- 98dBA maximum SPL full range
- 103.3dBA maximum SPL with crossover
- Flush-fit installation option
- Retrofit installation option
- Round grille option
- Square grille option
- Paintable white grille
- CFB3-R pre-construction bracket compatible
- CFB3-SQ pre-construction bracket compatible
- CFB3-KIT retrofit bracket compatible
- 112mm overall diameter
- 81.5mm mounting depth
- 90mm retrofit cut-out
- 120mm flush-fit cut-out
- Gold-plated sprung terminals
- 0.44kg weight
- Lifetime manufacturer warranty
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Monitor Audio CF230 sold individually?
Yes. The CF230 is supplied as a single speaker, allowing the required number to be chosen for each installation.
Is the CF230 an in-ceiling speaker?
Yes. It is primarily designed as an in-ceiling architectural speaker, although Monitor Audio also allows it to be fitted into standard stud-wall construction.
What size bass-mid driver does the CF230 use?
The CF230 uses a 3-inch C-CAM bass-mid driver.
What tweeter does the CF230 use?
It uses a coincident-mounted 19mm C-CAM Gold Dome tweeter.
What does coincident driver mean?
The tweeter is positioned within the same compact driver assembly as the bass-mid unit rather than being mounted separately on the speaker baffle. This helps keep the complete loudspeaker exceptionally small.
What is the frequency response?
Monitor Audio specifies a -6dB frequency response of 100Hz to 25kHz.
What is the sensitivity?
The CF230 has a sensitivity of 82.5dB at 1 watt measured at 1 metre.
What is the impedance?
Nominal impedance is 8 ohms.
What amplifier power does Monitor Audio recommend?
For full-range use Monitor Audio recommends 10 to 30 watts. When using a 120Hz high-pass crossover filter, the recommended amplifier range increases to 10 to 100 watts.
What is the power handling?
The CF230 is rated at 30 watts RMS when operated full range. Monitor Audio specifies 100 watts music-program power handling when a 120Hz high-pass crossover filter is used.
Should I use a subwoofer with the CF230?
A subwoofer is recommended where deeper bass or higher playback levels are required. Monitor Audio developed its ICS-8 custom-install subwoofer specifically to complement the CF230.
What is the difference between flush-fit and retrofit installation?
Flush-fit installation is intended primarily for projects where the speaker brackets can be incorporated before final plastering and finishing. Retrofit installation allows the CF230 to be fitted into an existing plasterboard ceiling or wall using the CFB3-KIT.
What size hole does the CF230 require?
The flush-fit installation uses a 120mm cut-out, while the retrofit installation uses a smaller 90mm cut-out.
How much mounting depth does the CF230 require?
The required mounting depth is 81.5mm.
What is the overall diameter?
The overall diameter including the grille is just 112mm.
Can I have a square grille?
Yes. Both round and square grille options are available depending on the chosen installation system.
Can the grille be painted?
Yes. The white grille is paintable so it can be matched more closely to the surrounding ceiling or wall.
Which bracket is required for a round flush-fit installation?
Monitor Audio specifies the CFB3-R pre-construction bracket for a round flush-fit installation.
Which bracket is required for a square flush-fit installation?
Monitor Audio specifies the CFB3-SQ pre-construction bracket for a square flush-fit installation.
Which bracket is used for retrofit installation?
The CFB3-KIT is Monitor Audio's dedicated retrofit bracket system for the CF230.
How much does the CF230 weigh?
Each speaker weighs 0.44kg.
What warranty does the CF230 have?
Monitor Audio currently specifies a lifetime manufacturer warranty for the CF230.
Related Monitor Audio Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy Monitor Audio From Audio T?
The CF230 is very discreet once installed, but getting that result requires proper planning. The installation method, speaker spacing, cabling, amplification, bass management and required number of speakers should all be considered before holes are cut or ceilings are finished.
- Monitor Audio architectural speaker advice
- Flush-fit installation planning
- Retrofit installation advice
- Multi-room system planning
- Home cinema speaker planning
- Amplifier matching
- Speaker positioning and coverage advice
- Subwoofer integration
- Pre-construction bracket advice
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store to discuss a Monitor Audio CF230 installation or the right architectural speakers for your project.