At Peter Tyson, we’ve seen the way our customers experience home audio evolve over the years. And while full surround systems and separates still have their place, soundbars are more popular than ever — especially now that brands like KEF are entering the space with serious intent.
KEF is one of the most popular and trusted speaker brands we stock. Their HiFi heritage is second to none, and their attention to acoustic detail is exactly what our customers look for. So, when we heard they were launching the KEF XIO Soundbar, we were excited — and after spending time with it, we can confidently say it lives up to the KEF name...
...in fact, it could be one of the best soundbars we’ve ever heard.
This isn’t just another soundbar. The KEF XIO (pronounced Zee-Oh) delivers cinema-grade sound with none of the complexity or clutter of a full AV setup. And for those who want to push the low end further, KEF also offers a smart wireless subwoofer solution — but more on that later.
KEF Quality, No AV Rack Required
What sets the XIO apart is that it feels — and sounds — like KEF. From the moment you hear it, there’s a level of clarity, detail and scale that typical soundbars just don’t match.
Built around a 5.1.2-channel configuration, the XIO supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and Sony 360 Reality Audio, powered by 12 Class D amplifiers. In plain English: you get real spatial audio, with sound that moves and fills the room, just like you’d expect from a traditional surround system.
What makes this possible is KEF’s use of Uni-Q® MX drivers, adapted from their legendary HiFi speakers. These drivers are known for creating a wide, even soundstage — meaning everyone in the room gets the full experience, not just the person sat dead centre.
And with KEF’s Music Integrity Engine®, the sound is tuned for accuracy and balance. Even stereo content sounds bigger, thanks to clever upmixing that spreads sound naturally across the available channels.
Smart Design That Adapts to You
We’ve installed countless systems over the years at Peter Tyson, and we know every room is different. That’s why KEF’s Intelligent Placement Technology in the XIO really impressed us. It automatically adjusts its performance based on its position and the objects around it — whether it’s wall-mounted or placed on a shelf.
Design-wise, the XIO looks every bit as sleek as you’d expect from KEF. A brushed aluminium top plate, discreet splash-proof fabric, and minimalist lines mean it blends into most modern living spaces effortlessly. Available in Silver Grey or Slate Black, it feels at home in both contemporary and classic settings.
Clarity Where It Matters Most
If you've ever had to rewind a film because you couldn't make out the dialogue, you're not alone — and you're exactly who KEF had in mind when creating XIO’s Dialogue Mode.
This dedicated EQ preset boosts vocal frequencies while keeping background noise in check, making conversations clearer without adding harshness. From whispered lines to rapid-fire exchanges, you’ll hear every word the way it was intended.
And thanks to the advanced VECO (Velocity Control) Technology inside the bass drivers, everything stays tight, clean and distortion-free — even at higher volumes.
Deep, Controlled Bass — And the Option to Go Bigger
One of the most surprising things about the XIO is the bass. Its P185 LF drivers, paired with KEF’s P-Flex technology, deliver low-end performance that’s genuinely impressive for a soundbar this slim.
They’re arranged in a force-cancelling configuration that cuts down on vibrations and cabinet noise — something we’ve only really seen in KEF’s high-end subs like the KC62 and KC92.
For most people, the built-in bass will be more than enough. But if you want even more depth and impact, that’s where KEF’s clever wireless subwoofer solution comes in.
Go Wireless with the KW2 RX Receiver
Here’s where things get even more flexible.
The KW2 RX Receiver lets you wirelessly connect a subwoofer to your XIO soundbar. No trailing cables. No drilling. Just pure bass where you want it.
It’s designed to work seamlessly with KEF’s KC62, KC92, KF92, and KUBE models — all of which we stock here at Peter Tyson — and it even supports third-party subwoofers via a 3.5mm/optical output. With 24-bit/48kHz high-resolution audio and a wireless range of up to 15 metres, you can place your sub exactly where it sounds best without worrying about signal loss or interference.
Want more bass still? Add another sub. With extra KW2 RX units, you can scale up to multiple subs and really feel the room shake.
Streaming, Simplicity and Smart Control
As you’d expect, KEF has made sure the XIO isn’t just about films. Thanks to its W2 wireless streaming platform, you can play high-quality music directly from services like Spotify Connect, Tidal, QPlay, Amazon Music and more.
For wired connections, you’ve got HDMI eARC, optical, and a dedicated subwoofer output. Control is simple too — use the top panel, included remote, or the intuitive KEF Connect app.
There are also preset modes like Night Mode for late-night viewing and the aforementioned Dialogue Mode, so you can tailor the sound to your situation.
Final Thoughts
The KEF XIO is what we love to see from a brand with real audio pedigree: innovation, performance, and design all working together to meet how people actually listen today.
It’s perfect for anyone who wants the cinematic impact of a full surround system without the boxes and wires — and for those who want even more, the KW2 RX Receiver and our wide range of KEF subwoofers offer a seamless upgrade path.
Ready to experience the KEF XIO?
You can explore it online or visit us in-store to hear it for yourself. Our team’s always happy to help you build the right system for your space — whether it’s all-in-one or all-out.