KEF XIO Dolby Atmos Soundbar

About The KEF XIO Dolby Atmos Soundbar

The KEF XIO soundbar may look sleek and understated, but under the hood it’s a powerhouse. With a 5.1.2 speaker configuration, 12 Class D amplifiers, and support for Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Sony 360 Reality Audio, XIO delivers immersive, three-dimensional sound that rivals KEF’s renowned Hi-Fi systems. Featuring KEF’s signature innovations. Including Uni-Q® MX drivers, the P185 LF driver with P-Flex technology, and the Music Integrity Engine® (MIE) for Cinema, the XIO transforms movies, music, and TV into rich, dynamic soundscapes.

Cinematic Sound with 5.1.2 Spatial Audio

Designed for true home theatre performance, the KEF XIO creates a spacious, high-resolution soundstage. Six Uni-Q MX drivers and two full-range drivers deliver crisp dialogue and lifelike detail, while four P185 LF drivers produce powerful, controlled bass. Two Uni-Q MX drivers handle the overhead channels, completing the immersive 5.1.2 experience. With advanced up mixing, even mono and stereo sources are expanded into rich, spatial audio.

Sound Optimisation for Any Room

Thanks to Intelligent Placement Technology, the XIO automatically calibrates audio output based on its surroundings, ensuring optimal performance whether placed on a shelf or mounted on a wall. The result is uncompromising home theatre sound, fine-tuned to your space.

Deep Bass in a Slim Soundbar

The P185 LF driver with P-Flex technology delivers bass that’s both deep and precise, adapted from KEF’s award-winning KC62 and KC92 subwoofers. Twin P185 drivers are positioned back-to-back in a force-cancelling configuration, reducing vibration and distortion. Despite its slim profile, the XIO produces bass extension down to levels normally reserved for larger subwoofers, powerful, clean, and controlled.

Precision Audio with Uni-Q® MX Drivers

At the core of the XIO soundbar are six Uni-Q MX drivers, a compact version of KEF’s iconic Uni-Q technology. By placing the tweeter at the acoustic centre of the midrange cone, they create a single point source for smooth, accurate sound across the room. This ensures balanced, high-fidelity audio that every listener can enjoy, no matter their position.

VECO Technology - Distortion-Free Clarity

The Velocity Control Technology (VECO) inside the P185 LF driver monitors cone movement in real-time, applying correction to minimise distortion and compression. This advanced feedback system maintains pristine clarity and stability, delivering bass that is as accurate as it is powerful.

Stream Music with W2 Wireless Platform

The XIO soundbar with W2 wireless streaming supports all major music services including Tidal, Amazon Music, Qobuz, and Deezer, plus native apps like Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect. Combined with Dolby Atmos and Sony 360 Reality Audio, it transforms music into immersive, three-dimensional soundscapes.

Flexible TV and Subwoofer Connectivity

With HDMI eARC, optical input, and RCA subwoofer output, the KEF XIO connects effortlessly to modern TVs and systems. While its built-in bass will satisfy most users, you can wirelessly add any KEF subwoofer using the KW2 RX adapter for even more low-end power.

Our Review

The KEF XIO Soundbar is sleek, understated, and seriously powerful. Its 5.1.2 setup packs a dozen Class D amps, Uni-Q® MX drivers, P-Flex bass units, and KEF’s Music Integrity Engine® for immersive, high-fidelity sound that blows past typical soundbars. From binge-worthy series to blockbuster movies, you’ll hear every detail with crystal clarity, rich bass, and a huge soundstage from a slim design. With room calibration, Dolby Atmos, and smart streaming via the W2 platform, XIO is ready to be the heart of your home cinema, no extra gear needed.

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.