Our First Impressions & Features Review of the KEF XIO Soundbar

If you've ever wished your soundbar could deliver the immersive, audiophile-grade experience typically reserved for floor-standing speakers or high-end in-ceiling systems without the clutter, the KEF XIO soundbar might be what you’ve been waiting for.

At Elite, we’ve admired KEF’s pursuit of acoustic precision and thoughtful engineering for years, and the new XIO soundbar hasn’t changed that. It’s something entirely different, and we’re very excited about it. Ultra-slim, stunning to look at, and engineered with features pulled directly from KEF’s most celebrated loudspeakers, the XIO redefines what a single soundbar can do! 

Learn more about it below.

XIO is Ultra-Slim, Fully Packed

Let’s start with the design. The KEF XIO is just 50mm deep, which is about two inches. That means it tucks under most TVs without drawing attention, but don’t mistake this minimal footprint for minimal performance. Under the hood, you’ll find 12 drive units powered by dedicated Class D amplifiers that can push up to 820 watts of peak power.

Wrapped in splash-resistant fabric and topped with a premium aluminum plate, it looks right at home in luxury spaces, whether mounted to the wall or resting on a console. 

Sound Without Compromise

Most soundbars compromise on either music or movies, but not the XIO.

Six of KEF’s miniature Uni-Q MX drivers (based on the same coaxial tech found in their revered loudspeakers) create an impressively wide, even soundstage. By placing the tweeter at the center of the midrange cone, the Uni-Q array disperses sound evenly across the room, so you’re not stuck in a single “sweet spot.”

Then there’s KEF’s Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT). It’s a proprietary disc that eliminates unwanted high-frequency distortion from the back of the driver. What does that mean for you? Clearer highs, more natural vocals, and cleaner dialogue in your favorite shows and films.

There’s no need to worry about bass. Four woofers deliver punchy, well-controlled low frequencies with no external subwoofer required.

Immersive Sound Meets Smart Design

The KEF XIO offers great sound with some smarts, too. Intelligent Placement Technology (IPT) automatically adapts the audio profile based on where the soundbar is placed in the room. It’s like having a professional calibration done every time you move furniture.

Support for Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Sony 360 Reality Audio unlocks a fully immersive 5.1.2-channel experience. Whether watching a concert film or streaming a blockbuster, the sound feels expansive and detailed, like you're right there.

Streamlined for the Way You Live

With built-in support for AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Bluetooth, and direct streaming from services like TIDAL, Qobuz, and Amazon Music, the XIO fits into any streaming lifestyle. HDMI eARC and optical inputs keep it flexible, while the KEF Connect app gives you intuitive control with listening modes for movies, music, dialogue, and even quiet late-night viewing.

You’ll Be Impressed with the KEF XIO Soundbar Too

The KEF XIO hits the rare sweet spot of high-end performance and minimalist design. This is a game-changer for our clients looking to simplify their AV systems without sacrificing sound quality. It’s the ideal choice for rooms where cinematic performance is desired without the clutter of separate speakers, wires, or subwoofers.

Curious how the KEF XIO could fit into your media room or open-concept living space? Let Elite help you design a system that looks as good as it sounds. Schedule a consultation today!