KEF XIO Dolby Atmos Soundbar

About The KEF XIO Dolby Atmos Soundbar

Award-winning acting, extraordinary special effects or just the latest reality show - some scenes deserve to be properly heard. Powered by a 5.1.2 configuration with spatial audio support and 12 class D amplifiers, the XIO may look like a soundbar, but it delivers sound quality and performance that rival KEF's renowned Hi-Fi systems. Equipped with a suite of KEF innovations including Uni-Q® MX, P185 LF driver with P-Flex Velocity Control technology (VECO) and the Music Integrity Engine® (MIE) for Cinema, and supporting Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Sony 360 Reality Audio, XIO turns flat screen moments into dynamic, rich, three-dimensional soundscapes and brings your entertainment thrillingly to life. Whatever you might be watching.

Transcendent Cinematic Sound: Delivering hyper-realistic, high-resolution sound, XIO creates a truly cinematic audio experience through a 5.1.2 configuration. Six Uni-Q MX drivers and two full range drivers ensure an expansive soundstage across the main channels, while four P185 LF drivers produce deep, controlled bass. Two Uni-Q MX drivers dedicated to the overhead channels complete the immersive experience. With KEF’s Music Integrity Engine (MIE) for Cinema, XIO supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Sony 360 Reality Audio, and its advanced up-mixing technology intelligently expands the soundstage, converting mono and stereo sources into a rich, spatialised audio environment.

Sound Optimisation for Your Space: To optimise performance still further, Intelligent Placement Technology ensures that XIO delivers the best possible sound in any placement. This built-in calibration tool automatically adapts the audio output based on the objects around the soundbar. XIO also features adaptive shelf and wall modes for enhanced audio experience. The result is an uncompromising home theatre experience, tailored to its environment.

Deep, Detailed Bass in a Slim Profile: XIO’s P185 LF driver, enhanced with KEF’s P-Flex technology, ensures deep and detailed bass performance, offering a level of clarity and power rarely found in a soundbar. The high aspect-ratio 7” x 2” (180 x 50mm) racetrack design enables an ultra-slim profile while delivering performance equivalent to a 4” LF driver. The ample cabinet space allows for twin P185 drivers to be positioned back-to-back in a force-cancelling configuration that significantly reduces mechanical vibrations. This results in a pure and resonant low-frequency response, free from unwanted distortions. Adapted from KEF’s award-winning KC62 and KC92 subwoofers, P-Flex technology resists acoustic pressure within the cabinet, enabling the driver to move with greater precision and achieving deeper bass extension with remarkable clarity.

Precision where it Counts: The XIO features six Uni-Q MX drivers, the miniature version of KEF’s iconic Uni-Q technology. These drivers ensure a balanced soundstage, delivering crisp, accurate audio across the entire room. The decoupler, engineered as a precise crossover, separates the LF cone and HF tweeter dome, a design that allows the diaphragm to move freely at low frequencies while isolating the dome for high-frequency precision. As a result, the XIO delivers full-bodied, high-fidelity sound for everyone to enjoy no matter where they are in the room.

Revolutionary Sound Correction Technology: KEF’s patent-pending Velocity Control Technology (VECO) is the game-changing built-in sensor at the heart of the P185 LF driver. VECO monitors cone motion in real-time and employs a negative feedback loop to minimise distortion and compression. This ensures that the signal reaching the driver’s voice coil includes the intended musical signal alongside a correction for any deviations in the driver’s motion, maintaining system stability. As a result, distortion is significantly reduced, delivering pristine, undistorted clarity.

Stream Anything: The W2 Wireless Platform, adapted from the LS Wireless Collection, offers seamless access to a variety of music services, including Tidal, Amazon Music, Qobuz, and Deezer. You can also stream directly from native apps like Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect ensuring full fidelity in your listening experience. Enhanced with Dolby Atmos and Sony 360 Reality Audio, the XIO creates immersive 3D soundscapes from your music, allowing you to fully enjoy every detail.

Perfect Fit with Today’s TV: Designed for flexibility, the XIO offers HDMI eARC, optical, and the option of RCA subwoofer output. While the soundbar itself has sufficient bass for majority of use cases, for those looking for that bit extra, any KEF subwoofer can be paired wirelessly with the KW2 RX receiver, an accessory specifically designed to ensure effortless and reliable connectivity.

Our Review

The KEF XIO Soundbar might look sleek and understated, but under the hood it’s an absolute powerhouse. With its 5.1.2 setup, a dozen Class D amps and KEF’s finest acoustic tech - including the clever Uni-Q® MX drivers, P-Flex-enhanced bass units and the Music Integrity Engine® - XIO delivers seriously immersive, high-fidelity sound that punches well above the usual soundbar experience. Whether you’re binging the latest series, sinking into a blockbuster or just catching up on the news, every detail comes through with pristine clarity, deep bass, and a soundstage that’s unexpectedly spacious for something so slim. Add in features like room calibration, Dolby Atmos support, and smart streaming via KEF’s W2 platform, and the XIO makes a compelling case for being the centrepiece of your home cinema setup - no extra boxes required.

Main Features & Specifications

• Design: 5.1.2 Channel Soundbar (Five Main Channels, One Subwoofer Channel and Two Overhead Channels)
• Drive Units
  • Mid/High Frequencies: 6 x 50mm (2”) Uni-Q MX Driver
  • Mid/High Frequencies: 2 x 50mm (2”) Full Range Driver
  • Low Frequencies: 4 x 180 x 50mm (7” x 2”) P185 Drivers supported by VECO
• 12 x Class D Amplifiers
• Amplifier Output Power: 820 W (Instantaneous Total Power Rating)
• Max SPL: 102 dB
• Frequency Response (±3dB): 34Hz - 20kHz
• Inputs
  • HDMI 2.1 eARC
  • TOSLINK Optical
  • USB Type C (service)
  • RJ45 Ethernet (network)
• Outputs
  • Wireless Subwoofer output
  • RCA Subwoofer output
• Wireless Connectivity
  • KEF Connect
  • AirPlay
  • Google Cast
  • UPnP Compatible
  • Bluetooth 5.3
• Streaming Services
  • Spotify Connect
  • Tidal Connect
  • Amazon Music
  • Qobuz
  • Deezer
  • Internet Radio
• Supported Formats: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, 360 Reality Audio, MPEG-H, FLAC, WAV, AIFF, ALAC, AAC, WMA, MP3, M4A, LPCM and Ogg Vorbis
• Supported Resolution
  • HDMI eARC up to 192 kHz/24 bit
  • Network up to 384 kHz/24 bit
  • Optical up to 96 kHz/24 bit
• Multi-Channel Output Up To 5.1.2
• Wi-Fi Network Frequency Bands: 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz/ 6 GHz
• Wi-Fi Network Standard: IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, IPv4, IPv6
• Connect to a KEF Subwoofer Wirelessly with the Optional KEF KW2 RX Receiver (sold separately)
• Available Finishes: Silver Grey & Slate Black
• Dimensions (WxHxD): 1,210 x 70 x 165mm
• Weight 10.5 kg
• Manufacturer's Warranty: 5 Years on Passive Components & Cabinets, 2 Years on Electronics + 1 Extended Year when Registered at KEF.com

Note: Features & Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice. E&OE.