KEF is launching the XIO soundbar for TV, films, music and gaming. The XIO claims to deliver hyper-realistic sound through a suite of innovations including Uni-Q MX, P185 LF driver with P-Flex, patent-pending Velocity Control Technology (VECO) and the Music Integrity Engine (MIE) for cinema. Supporting Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and Sony 360 Reality Audio, the XIO is designed to turn flat screen monitors into dynamic, rich, three-dimensional soundscapes.
Powered by a 5.1.2 configuration (five main channels, one subwoofer channel and two overhead channels) and with 12 class D amplifiers, the XIO offers high-resolution spatial audio experience in one soundbar. Ensuring the best possible sound is delivered in any setting, the XIO includes Intelligent Placement Technology (IPT). This built-in calibration tool automatically adapts the audio output based on the objects around the soundbar.
The XIO encompasses a dedicated Dialogue Mode to ensure every word is heard with detail. Located within the EQ presets, alongside Night and Music Modes, this mode enhances vocal frequencies while reducing background noise, making speech clear.
Enhancing the immersive experience even further, the XIO’s sound imaging offers a realistic 3D soundscape, positioning individual sounds at different pinpoints within the room.
The XIO offers a level of clarity and power rarely found in a soundbar, claims KEF. The XIO’s P185 LF driver, enhanced with KEF’s P-Flex technology, which has been adapted from the KC62 and KC92 subwoofers, resists acoustic pressure within the cabinet, enabling the driver to move with greater precision and achieving deeper bass extension with clarity.
Whilst showcasing an ultra-slim design, the bass performance of the XIO is equivalent to a 4 x 4IN low-frequency driver (otherwise known as a woofer). The ample cabinet space allows for twin P185 LF 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.
The XIO features six Uni-Q MX drivers, the miniature version of KEF’s Uni-Q driver array. These drivers ensure a balanced soundstage, delivering crisp, accurate audio across the entire room. The decoupler, engineered as a precise crossover, separates the low-frequency cone and high-frequency tweeter dome, a design that allows the diaphragm to move freely at low frequencies while isolating the dome for high-frequency precision.
KEF’s patent-pending Velocity Control Technology (VECO) is the built-in sensor at the heart of the P185 LF driver. The VECO monitors cone motion and employs a negative feedback loop to significantly minimise distortion and compression to produce pristine, undistorted clarity.
The Music Integrity Engine (MIE) for Cinema is KEF’s in-house suite of DSP algorithms specifically designed for the XIO. This technology delivers multi-channel processing, virtualisation and adaptive placement capabilities, reportedly ensuring an audio experience tailored to any environment.
The W2 Wireless Platform, adapted from KEF’s LS Wireless Collection, supports all major streaming services, including Tidal, Amazon Music, Qobuz and Deezer. Enhanced with Dolby Atmos and Sony 360 Reality Audio, the XIO ensures connectivity and streaming ease with pristine sound quality.
Designed for flexibility and to fit perfectly with a TV, the XIO offers HDMI eARC, optical and RCA subwoofer output, allowing for a variety of connection options to suit a user’s preferences. While the soundbar itself has sufficient bass for majority of use cases, should it be required any KEF subwoofer can be paired wirelessly with the KW2 RX receiver, an accessory specifically designed to ensure reliable connectivity.
Offering easy-to-use settings, users can adjust audio preferences and manage playback easily through the XIO top panel, via the remote or through the KEF Connect app. Here, they can tune their listening experience to suit their taste and space, and make adjustments easily, via the normal and expert modes on the EQ settings.
Presets include Dialogue mode, which focuses on enhancing speech clarity and intelligibility, ideal for TV shows, documentaries and news – and Night mode, which is tailored for late-night viewing or situations where lower volume levels are necessary.
Showcasing a sleek aluminium top plate and splash-proof fabric for style and durability, the XIO’s contemporary, minimal design has been designed to complement any space and aesthetic. Its design seamlessly integrates with existing systems, making the XIO an efficient and subtle add-on to any TV set-up.
Available in Slate Black and Silver Grey, it features adaptive shelf and wall modes.
The XIO is priced at £1,999 (piece) and the KW2 £149 (piece).
Exclusive early access is available via uk.kef.com for myKEF members-only from the 8th-17th July 2025, with full availability on uk.kef.com from the 18th of July onwards.
Early access is also available to all from Peter Tyson AV and Sevenoaks Sound & Vision between the 8th July-7th August 2025 and full availability is faclilitated from other selected authorised KEF retailers from the 8th August 2025 onwards.