Struggling with the immaculate KEF XIO's sonic performance, yet one minor flaw proves severely bothersome for me
The KEF XIO, KEF's first-ever soundbar, has made a splash in the audio world with its impressive sound quality and sleek design. However, it comes with a unique trade-off that might not suit everyone, particularly gaming enthusiasts.
The KEF XIO features new drivers that are capable of moving a significant amount of air and are well-controlled, delivering Dolby Atmos soundtracks with spaciousness and three-dimensional precision. Its super-thin design makes it suitable for positioning in front of a TV or mounting on a wall, and setting it up is easy. The soundbar has only one HDMI connection, an eARC port that connects it to the TV, and the app for KEF XIO is slick and enhances general use.
However, the KEF XIO, like the Sonos Arc Ultra, does not have dedicated HDMI inputs or 4K/120Hz passthrough functionality. This means that connecting the KEF XIO to the eARC port leaves only one HDMI 2.1 socket for a console on a TV with two HDMI 2.1 sockets. For gaming consoles, having multiple HDMI 2.1 inputs is crucial, and the KEF XIO's limitation is its lack of physical connections, particularly specified for external devices like gaming consoles.
If gaming is a priority, consider soundbars with dedicated HDMI 2.1 inputs for connecting multiple devices simultaneously, such as newer TVs or gaming consoles. Some alternatives include the Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Max, Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 9, and JBL Bar 1300. While these soundbars offer impressive performance, they do not specifically address the gaming-centric need for multiple HDMI 2.1 inputs.
For those looking for soundbars with multiple HDMI 2.1 inputs, the Samsung HW-Q990F and HW-Q990D soundbars have two HDMI 2.1 inputs, providing an HDMI 2.1 net gain.
Despite its limitation, the KEF XIO fills a room admirably with its crisp, detailed, deep, and punchy bass. Its design is sleek, stealthy, and stylish, making it a great addition to any modern living room. However, at its high price point, the lack of dedicated HDMI inputs and 4K/120Hz passthrough functionality is particularly noticeable.
In conclusion, while the KEF XIO offers an immersive audio experience, it may not be the best choice for those who prioritise gaming connectivity. It's essential to consider your needs and priorities before making a purchase.
- For gaming enthusiasts who need multiple HDMI 2.1 inputs, alternatives such as the Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Max, Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 9, and JBL Bar 1300 might be better choices.
- The KEF XIO's unique feature of delivering spacious and precise Dolby Atmos soundtracks using new drivers makes it an impressive option for anyone seeking a hi-fi speaker.
- Despite the KEF XIO's sleek design, those looking for soundbars with multiple HDMI 2.1 inputs for connecting multiple devices might find the Samsung HW-Q990F and HW-Q990D more suitable.
- If you're considering buying a KEF XIO, be aware that it comes with a trade-off, as it does not offer dedicated HDMI inputs or 4K/120Hz passthrough functionality.
- The KEF XIO offers more than just impressive sound quality; it also features a slick app for enhanced general use, making it a great gadget to have in one's modern living room.
- In a world where technology advances rapidly, news and reviews about new speakers, including the KEF XIO and upcoming models, are always buzzing among tech enthusiasts.
