KEF XIO SOUNDBAR

First: We've lived with this XIO for two months before writing a review. Second: I had some misgivings initially about spending what we did on this soundbar (and the added KC92 subwoofer), and was prepared to return it if it didn't deliver. Different folks may have different requirements for their particular room (and different ears), and for us the 5.1.2 is perfect in our living room. We didn't want extra satellite speakers around the room or above, save for a single subwoofer- which we added to plumb the depths of LFE goodness- and the XIO, while doing a great job for what it's capable of, just can't reach that low to LFE levels, BUT will surprise you in how low it does go by itself...it's pretty amazing.Now with the unjustly maligned KEF KC92 added, it's simply SPECTACULAR.Anyways, we watched the Final Reckoning MI installment and where they are in the passenger cabin of a DC3, our room literally sounded like we were IN THE CABIN, sitting between the two engines...excellent job!Yes, this is a pricey, albeit SLAMMIN soundbar, and when coupled with the KEF KC92 (which I reviewed separately on Amazon) we have ZERO buyer's remorse. ZERO. It's truly THAT GOOD. 'Buy once, cry once' is so true. If you can swing it, go for it if this 5.1.2 will fit you needs and your particular room setup.

I have a very particular ear and have returned multiple soundbars from the 'competition' and let me say: nobody is doing it like the XIO... If you pair with a subwoofer. The bar is beautiful on it's own, and has terrific musicality, is exceedingly clear and excellently designed. There is good bass, sure, for a soundbar, but when paired with an external subwoofer the XIO transcends. It has a wide soundstage, very good 'surround' simulation and can focus on music and effects like no other when the bass can be diverted to a proper sub. It truly makes movies come alive, and sits humbly on our stand with no extra fuss. My guess is if you're willing to splurge on the XIO, you're the type who wants to take things all the way so let me save you and say: get a sub, and be happy all the days of your life. It's worth it.

Great sound for music, and works well for tv. This replaced Sonos arc surround system. Xio doesn’t sound quite as immersive, but the sound is far superior to Sonos and it does both TV speaker and music speaker.

Unassuming bar with very good sound during mixed use, mostly streaming shows and movies. More organic and natural sounding than the Samsung bar. Music streaming sounds excellent as well. Bar held its own when compared to high-end stereo streaming speakers in the room. Sub input is helpful. App is good also. Very happy with purchase.

I bought this primarily to replace an AVR receiver, speakers and wires. I still use a separate subwoofer. It sounds ok, but does not sound as good as a true high end 5.1 system. The installation instructions are murky. I mounted it on the wall beneath a 65” TV, but that meant the up firing speakers were blocked by the TV mount. I ended up building a shelf to place unit beneath and in front of TV. It sounded much better. My original Onkyo receiver had a calibration microphone to account for speaker response and placement and room acoustics. The KEF does not match that level of fine tuning. This is especially true in trying to adjust the subwoofer level and crossover frequency. I think a wireless KEF subwoofer would solve that issue.