Turning your living room into a home cinema just got easier

Words: Zak Maoui

In association with:

There’s something about the cinema. It’s one of the only times you can really switch your phone and your mind off, and indulge yourself in another world for two to three hours. It’s an escape from reality, without very much effort. Your entire mind engulfs what’s going on screen, and your senses tune into that and only that.

Well, what if that same experience could be replicated in your own home? KEF (Kent Engineering and Foundry), the brand that has been revolutionising the way we experience sound since it was introduced in Maidstone in 1961, has dropped a new at-home device that will take things to the next level. KEF has unveiled the XIO Soundbar, which promises a transformative home entertainment system experience, whether you’re tuning into the latest episode of Clarkson’s Farm or a mega blockbuster movie on a sleepy Sunday.

Through innovative technology and design, the XIO is the most innovative soundbar the brand has ever created. The XIO creates a truly unique cinematic soundscape, delivering hyper-realistic sound through a range of technologies including Uni-Q MX, P185 LF driver with P-Flex, patent-pending Velocity Control Technology (VECO) and the Music Integrity Engine® (MIE) for Cinema. In short, it’s one of the most powerful soundbars out there, and when paired up with one of your devices, it will turn your living room into a place of sensory overload, in turn taking your entertainment up a dial. Supporting Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and Sony 360 Reality Audio, the XIO, which operates with 12 class D amplifiers, offers high-resolution spatial audio experience in one soundbar.

When it comes to design, everything has been taken into consideration. The XIO uses Intelligent Placement Technology (IPT), which is essentially a built-in calibration tool that automatically adapts the audio output based on the objects around the soundbar. Alongside a dedicated Dialogue Mode, this enhances vocal frequencies while reducing background noise, making speech effortlessly clear. Meanwhile the XIO’s P185 LF driver, enhanced with KEF’s P-Flex technology, resists external acoustic pressure, in turn offering a deeper bass extension with remarkable clarity. Taking your immersive experience even further, the KEF XIO has exceptional sound imaging, offering a realistic 3D soundscape, positioning individual sounds at different pinpoints within the room. That’s right - it creates a cinema-like experience.

Regarding its appearance and compatibility, the KEF XIO uses wireless tech to connect to your devices, while it takes the form of an ultra chic aluminium bar, which is well-positioned to fit in any room. Meanwhile, users can adjust audio preferences and manage playback with ease, through the XIO top panel, via the remote or through the KEF Connect app.

Grab the popcorn and kick back.

The KEF XIO is priced at £1,999 and is available at kef.com and authorised KEF retailers.

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