When the KEF XIO soundbar first launched, it was an all-in-one system that didn’t allow for the addition of extra speakers to create a surround sound effect. If you felt that was an issue before, that problem has been remedied.
An over-the-air firmware update allows customers to add the KW2 RX Receiver. Once added, that opens the soundbar up to having speakers added to create a larger surround sound system. Currently, the choice of speakers you can add includes the LSX II, LSX II LT and Coda W wireless speakers.
Now, you can have proper rear channels to create an immersive bubble of home theatre sound. However, none of the compatible speakers can function as Dolby Atmos or DTS:X speakers as they don’t support immersive audio formats, nor do they have the upfiring speakers to bounce sound off your ceiling. So while the space behind viewers will be filled with sound, you’re not getting the full immersive audio experience.
But this update is better than nothing, and we welcome any chance to have proper surround sound in the home as we feel that’s the best way to experience films and TV. KEF clearly agrees too.
There’ll be more speakers added to the list of compatible rear speakers, with the LS50 Wireless II arriving by the end of the year (look out for our review on those soon). They will be followed by the LS60 Wireless and the LS LUXE, with support for those speakers coming in the first part of 2027.
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Subwoofers aren’t a part of this update because they’ve always been supported by the XIO. So, if you want to get your surround sound system up and running, you can add KEF’s KC62, KC92 and KUBE subwoofers right now.
Set-up of the system is performed through the KEF Connect app, which guides you through the process of adding compatible rear speakers. The KEF XIO scored 4.5 stars and won our Best Soundbar award in 2025. This latest update looks to make an already excellent soundbar even better.
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