The KEF XIO is a 5.1.2-channel soundbar from KEF, listed at $2,500. The bass comes from the bar alone unless you add the optional subwoofer.
KEF XIO Pros and Cons
Drawn from the published figures on this page, not from listening.
- ✓Dedicated height channels (5.1.2) for Dolby Atmos, not only virtual processing
- ✓Decodes both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
- ✓A dedicated centre channel for dialogue
- ✓Can add a matching wireless subwoofer later
- ✓HDMI eARC carries lossless Dolby TrueHD and Atmos from the TV
- ✓Wi-Fi streaming with AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Spotify Connect
- ✓Room correction tunes the sound to where it is placed
- ✓Dialogue enhancement and a night mode
- ✗No rear speaker option, so surround stays virtual
Channels and Surround Sound
The 5.1.2 badge means 5 ear-level channels (left, centre, right and 2 for width or surround), 1 subwoofer channel, 2 height channels firing at the ceiling. It decodes Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. Virtual surround: Music Integrity Engine (MIE).
Subwoofer, Rear Speakers and Mounting
A subwoofer is optional - the bar connects to one wirelessly but does not come with it. It cannot add rear speakers. Wall-mountable: Yes (bracket included).
Connections
The KEF XIO has HDMI eARC to the TV - the connection that carries lossless Dolby TrueHD and Atmos from the TV's own apps and inputs; optical digital input; USB-C input.
Streaming, Control and Sound Modes
Wi-Fi (2.4, 5.0, 6.0 GHZ), with AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, TIDAL, Amazon Music, Pandora, SiriusXM, TuneIn; Bluetooth; app control (Apple iOS, Android); a remote in the box. Sound features: dialogue enhancement, night mode, room correction.
Size and Which TV It Suits
The bar measures 47.63 x 2.88 x 6.5 in (W x H x D), or 1210 x 73 x 165 mm, and weighs 23.1 lbs. It is no wider than the screen of a 55-inch TV (47.9 in wide) or larger, which is where a soundbar looks in proportion. At 2.88 in tall it should clear the bottom of most TVs sitting on their own feet.
Open the soundbar size simulator to try another TV or compare two bars.
KEF XIO Specifications
| Sound |
|---|
| Channels | 5.1.2 |
| Dolby Atmos | Yes |
| DTS:X | Yes |
| Drivers | Tweeters: 2" Uni-Q MX (6); Midrange: 2" Full-Range (2); Woofers: 2"x 6" Bass (4); Enclosure: Sealed |
| Frequency response | 34-20K Hz |
| Subwoofer | Optional |
| Rear speakers | None |
| Virtual surround | Music Integrity Engine (MIE) |
| Dialogue enhancement | Yes |
| Night mode | Yes |
| Room correction | Yes |
| Connections |
|---|
| HDMI to TV | eARC |
| HDMI inputs | 0 |
| HDMI version | 2.1 |
| Optical inputs | Yes |
| Analogue input | No |
| USB | USB-C |
| Subwoofer output | Mono-RCA, Wireless |
| HDMI CEC | Yes |
| Streaming and Control |
|---|
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ax |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Streaming | AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, TIDAL, Amazon Music, Pandora, SiriusXM, TuneIn |
| Voice control | No |
| App | Apple iOS, Android |
| Remote included | Yes |
| Learns TV remote | No |
| Physical |
|---|
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 47.63 x 2.88 x 6.5 in / 1210 x 73 x 165 mm |
| Weight | 23.1 lbs / 10.48 kg |
| Wall mounting | Yes (bracket included) |
| Warranty | 5 Years parts, 5 Years labour |
| List price | $2,500 |
Power is the maker's total across all drivers and is not comparable to an amplifier's per-channel rating.