KEF Is Running a Rare Deal on Its Sonos-Rivaling Soundbar
It promises to deliver a "transcendent cinematic sound experience."
Last summer, KEF introduced its first Dolby Atmos wireless soundbar to compete with the likes of Sonos, Bose and Samsung (as well as countless others). It's the KEF XIO .
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Like other flagship Dolby Atmos soundbars, KEF's XIO promises to be a one-box audio solution that greatly improves your TV's sound (especially for those who have trouble hearing dialogue).
The KEF XIO is the company's first-ever Dolby Atmos soundbar. It normally costs $2,500 on its own. - Credit: KEF
KEF's first-ever Dolby Atmos soundbars
But because it's KEF, it promised to sound even better and look more stylish while doing so. At the time, the British hi-fi maker claimed the XIO could deliver a "transcendent cinematic sound experience."
But this elite sound also came at a cost, literally. The KEF XIO is priced at $2,500, making it one of the most expensive Dolby Atmos soundbars on the market.
Now, however, KEF is running a rare deal on the XIO, but there's a catch.
KEF claims it can deliver a "transcendent cinematic sound experience." - Credit: KEF
As shown in the photos, the KEF XIO can rest flat on a surface or be wall-mounted, and its orientation changes accordingly. - Credit: KEF
KEF's XIO is unique among Dolby Atmos soundbars for several reasons. Most notably, it's a beast.
On its own, the XIO is a 5.1.2-channel soundbar with 12 individually amplified drivers: three front-firing, three up-firing, two side-firing and four woofers.
In total, the soundbar is capable of delivering an incredible 820 watts of power.
When not watching TV, the XIO supports high-resolution streaming over Wi-Fi (up to 24-bit/384kHz). - Credit: KEF
The soundbar supports immersive sound formats, including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and Sony 360 Reality Audio - Credit: KEF
Aside from power and sound quality, the most interesting thing about KEF's XIO is that its design (and sound) changes depending on whether it's wall-mounted or resting on a media console.
When resting flat on a surface, only two of the three up-firing Uni-Q MX drivers are activated. When wall-mounted, the "top" of the soundbar is reoriented to face the listener and this third driver activates and becomes the soundbar's center channel.
The soundbar is equipped with multiple sensors and technologies that enable it to automatically detect its orientation and adjust its sound accordingly.
KEF redesigned its famed Uni-Q drivers to fit into its first Dolby Atmos soundbar. - Credit: KEF
The KEF XIO is basically a Sonos Arc Ultra, but on steroids. - Credit: KEF
A home theater bundle, deal
Right now, KEF is running a promotion on the XIO soundbar … but only when purchased in a home theater bundle with one of its powered subwoofers (and the necessary receiver for the subwoofer to connect wirelessly to the subwoofer.)
You can save up to 20 percent off.
KEF makes a variety of differs subwoofers, which vary in size and power. There are bundled deals with the XIO soundbar on six different subwoofer options.
KEF is set to keep this home theater promotion through July 25th, so you've got a good chunk of the summer to decide whether to pull the trigger. (Although KEF is hoping you decide to do so before the World Cup starts on June 11th.)
SHOp the Bundles About the Author: Tucker Bowe has been on Gear Patrol's editorial team since 2014. With a passion for consumer tech and hi-fi, he tracks everything from headphones and turntables to smartphones and wearables. If it lights up or makes noise, he probably covers it.
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