KEF has launched the XIO Soundbar, a sleekly designed all-in-one speaker system that combines Dolby Atmos surround sound and hi-fi audio in a compact design that can be placed in front of the TV or mounted on the wall below it. While KEF has a rich history of developing and manufacturing loudspeakers, the KEF XIO is KEF’s first soundbar.
KEF XIO
The KEF XIO is, according to the company, a bold attempt to pack KEF’s full-fledged hi-fi technology into a compact, all-in-one system for movies, TV, music and gaming. Following the joint launch of the striking Nothing Headphone (1), KEF seems determined to prove that it remains one of the most innovative players in the audio world.
The XIO is a 5.1.2 channel soundbar, which means five main channels, a dedicated sub channel, and two height channels, all driven by twelve Class D amplifiers. With support for Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and Sony 360 Reality Audio, the KEF XIO is ready to transport you, according to its designers, whether it’s thundering blockbusters or delicate orchestral accents.
The soundbar uses miniature Uni-Q MX drivers, derived from the company’s own Uni-Q speaker array, to deliver a wide and even soundstage. Bass delivery comes from two P185 low-frequency drivers with P-Flex surrounds, arranged in a clever force-cancelling configuration that digs deep and suppresses unwanted vibrations. New Velocity Control Technology (VECO) actively monitors driver movement to reduce distortion and compression, while KEF’s Music Integrity Engine (MIE) for Cinema, a proprietary suite of DSP algorithms, manages multi-channel processing and virtualisation to tailor the sound to any room.
Intelligent Placement Technology (IPT) automatically analyses your room and adjusts the output to compensate for walls, furniture or wherever you place it. Special listening modes also come in handy when needed, such as Dialogue Mode, which boosts voice clarity, while Night Mode reduces dynamics when you’re listening to music quietly after work.
KEF claims the XIO can match the output of four conventional 4-inch woofers. Visually, it’s a minimalist showpiece, with a brushed aluminium top plate, splash-proof fabric and a choice of Slate Black or Silver Grey finishes. You can wall-mount it or sit it neatly on a shelf. Devoid of any ornamentation, the soundbar seems designed to complement any interior without demanding attention.
The XIO uses KEF’s W2 wireless platform, adapted from the LS Wireless series, to stream everything from Tidal and Qobuz to Deezer and Amazon Music in high resolution. Connectivity can be either wireless (WiFi) or via UTP cable (RJ45 Ethernet). There are HDMI eARC, optical and RCA subwoofer outputs if you want to connect everything up, plus the ability to pair wirelessly to KEF subwoofers via the KW2 RX receiver. Controls are flexible too, using the top panel, the supplied remote control, or delve into the advanced EQ settings via the KEF Connect app, which even has an Expert mode for more detailed adjustments.
KEF XIO: price and delivery information
The KEF XIO has a suggested retail price of just under 2,300 euros and comes in the colors and black and silver gray. Delivery will start in early August.
Our first impressions? Read more here
