Single-box soundbars fail to match the exceptional audio quality delivered by KEF XIO review
The KEF XIO Premium Spatial Audio Soundbar is a high-end Dolby Atmos soundbar that stands out for delivering genuine surround sound without relying on virtual processing. Priced at around £1999 in the United Kingdom, $2499 in the United States, and AU$3599 in Australia, this 5.1.2 discrete driver configuration soundbar is equipped with 12 physical drivers and 12 blocks of Class D amplification, capable of twisting out a chunky 820 Watts of peak power [1][2][3].
Key features of the KEF XIO include a force-canceling bass system, Music Integrity Engine (MIE), spatial and high-res audio support, modern connectivity, and installation adaptability [1][2][3]. The force-canceling bass system, featuring four racetrack-shaped P185 woofers, reduces cabinet vibrations and delivers clean, controlled bass down to 34 Hz without a separate subwoofer. The MIE, KEF’s proprietary digital signal processing, manages crossover, time alignment, and dynamic range, making the 12 drivers work as a seamless unit for balanced sound [1].
The KEF XIO supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Sony 360 Reality Audio, and Airplay Spatial Audio, and natively decodes these advanced spatial audio formats for superior fidelity from sources like Tidal and Qobuz [2][4]. It also offers HDMI 2.1 with eARC, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, AirPlay 2, and Chromecast for easy integration and stable wireless streaming [2]. The built-in gyroscope detects vertical (wall) or horizontal (shelf) placement and adjusts sound output accordingly [3].
Performance-wise, the KEF XIO impresses with a large, immersive soundstage that envelops the listener in every direction, including convincing height effects crucial to spatial audio soundtracks. The sound is detailed and well-defined across frequencies, with clear dialogue and lively midrange, as well as tightly controlled bass presence comparable to high-end multi-component setups. It performs admirably with both movies and music, providing a remarkable spatial audio experience that rivals competitors like the Sennheiser Ambeo Max and Sony 360 Reality Audio-capable devices [3][4][5].
The KEF XIO has plenty of dynamic headroom available for when the action really ramps up. Its control app offers support for Amazon Music, Deezer, Qobuz, and the 'Connect' versions of Spotify and Tidal. The soundbar is a pretty big one, measuring at 70 x 1210 x 170mm (HxWxD) when standing on the same surface as a TV, and weighing 10.5kg. The KEF XIO soundbar went on sale in July 2021 [6].
In summary, the KEF XIO offers top-tier spatial sound performance, sophisticated bass management, and premium digital processing in a sleek, single-box form, aiming to compete at the high end of the soundbar market with a pricing around $2,000–$2,500 depending on region [3].
References: [1] https://www.kef.com/en/products/kef-xio [2] https://www.what Hi-Fi.com/reviews/kef-xio-soundbar-review [3] https://www.techradar.com/reviews/kef-xio-soundbar-review [4] https://www.soundguys.com/kef-xio-review-121066-2021-08 [5] https://www.soundandvision.com/products/kef-xio-soundbar [6] https://www.soundguys.com/kef-xio-soundbar-release-date-120933-2021-07
The KEF XIO Soundbar, a high-end device, showcases its advanced technology through its support for spatial and high-res audio formats like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Sony 360 Reality Audio, and Airplay Spatial Audio. This soundbar falls under the category of premium gadgets, known for its 12 physical drivers and 12 blocks of Class D amplification, capable of producing powerful audio with an immersive soundstage.
