KEF XIO Soundbar – First Look
All Image Credit: KEF
KEF have introduced the KEF XIO Soundbar, a 5.1.2 channel sound system designed to deliver spatial audio from a standalone single enclosure. This is KEF’s first soundbar, it is powered by 12 Class D amplifiers, supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Sony 360 Reality Audio and offers compatibility with a broad range of immersive audio content. The KEF XIO Soundbar features an aluminum top plate and fabric covering and is available in Slate Black and Silver Grey, with options for shelf or wall mounting.
The cabinet design houses the drivers in a configuration intended to deliver full-range audio without additional speakers, although an optional subwoofer can be added if required. The KEF XIO Soundbar features six 2 inch Uni-Q MX drivers, a compact version of KEF’s Uni-Q array, and two 2 inch full-range drivers all designed to produce an even sound dispersion across a room. Low-frequency output is handled by two pairs of 2×7 inch P185 LF drivers using P-Flex surrounds and arranged in a force-cancelling configuration. The P-Flex system is adapted from KEF’s KC62 and KC92 subwoofer designs and allows for greater driver excursion under pressure, contributing to improved bass extension. KEF’s VECO (Velocity Control Technology) is used to monitor cone motion and apply corrective feedback to reduce distortion.
P185 LF and Uni-Q MX drivers
The soundbar includes Intelligent Placement Technology (IPT), a calibration feature that adjusts output based on the surrounding room elements and positioning. Preset modes include; Dialogue Mode for vocal clarity enhancement, and others for night-time and music playback.
User control is available locally using the top panel controls, the supplied IR remote or the KEF Connect app that offers standard and advanced EQ options, allowing for manual tuning and preset modes.
Physical connectivity includes; HDMI eARC, optical input, and RCA subwoofer output. Wireless connectivity is handled via KEF’s W2 Platform, supporting KEF Connect, AirPlay, Google Cast, is UPnP Compatible and Bluetooth 5.3. Streaming support includes; Spotify via Spotify Connect, Tidal via Tidal Connect, QQ Music via Qplay, Amazon Music, Qobuz, Deezer, HIGHRESAUDIO, Internet Radio and Podcast. Audio file support includes; Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, 360 Reality Audio, MPEG-H, FLAC, WAV, AIFF, ALAC, AAC, WMA, MP3, M4A, LPCM and Ogg Vorbis. While bit rate resolutions include; HDMI eARC up to 192 KHz/24 bit, network up to 384 KHz/24 bit and optical up to 96 KHz/24 bit.
Finally, subwoofer expansion is possible not only via the RCA subwoofer output but also the optional KW2 RX receiver, which enables wireless pairing with compatible KEF subwoofers.
Specifications:
- Drive units:
- HF/MF: 6 x 50 mm (2 in.) Uni-Q MX driver
- HF/MF: 2 x 50 mm (2 in.) full range driver
- LF: 4 pcs of 50 x 180 mm (2 x 7 in.) P185 driver supported by VECO
- Amplifiers:
- HF/MF: 8 x Class D
- LF: 4 x Class D
- Max SPL measured at 1m: 102 dB
- Frequency response (±3dB) measured at 85dB/1m: 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 via Spotify Connect, Tidal via Tidal Connect, QQ Music via Qplay, Amazon Music, Qobuz, Deezer, HIGHRESAUDIO, Internet Radio, Podcast…and more
- Supported formats: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, 360 Reality Audio, MPEG-H, FLAC, WAV, AIFF, ALAC, AAC, WMA, MP3, M4A, LPCM and Ogg Vorbis
- Supported resolutions:
- HDMI eARC up to 192 kHZ/24 bit
- Network up to 384 kHz/24 bit
- Optical up to 96 kHz/24 bit
- Multi-channels output: Up to 5.1.2
- Wi-Fi Network Frequency Band: 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz/ 6 GHz
- Wi-Fi network standard: IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax. IPv4, IPv6
- Amplifier output power: 820 W (Instantaneous total power rating)
- Power input: 100 – 240VAC 50/60Hz
- Power consumption:
- 400 W (Maximum operating power)
- <2.0W (ECO mode standby power)
- <0.5W (Non WiFi mode)
- Dimensions (HWD): 70 × 1210 × 165 mm (2.8 x 47.6 x 6.5 in.)
- Weight: 10.5 kg (23.1 lbs)
MSRP:
- US: $2,499.00
- UK: £1,999.00
For more information visit the KEF web site.
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