KEF has released a firmware update for its KEF XIO soundbar that adds support for wireless rear speakers. Owners can now add real surround channels behind the listening position instead of relying only on virtual surround processing, turning the soundbar into the centre of a multi-channel system.
From virtual to physical surround
Until now, the KEF XIO created its surround effect with its twelve built-in drivers and processing. With the new update, the built-in wireless transmitters of the soundbar send the rear channels to compatible KEF wireless speakers. The connection is made with the KW2 RX receiver, which is sold separately and connects to the rear speaker, so no cables need to run through the room.
Setup is handled in the KEF Connect app, which pairs the compatible speakers and configures them as rear channels.
Three compatible speakers at launch
At launch, three KEF models can be used as rear speakers for the KEF XIO. The Coda W is a versatile wireless speaker for vinyl, TV and music. The LSX II is a compact wireless hi-fi speaker with AirPlay 2, Google Cast and Roon support, which can be wall-mounted with the B1 bracket. The LSX II LT is the more affordable alternative, with a cable between the two speakers and Bluetooth 5.0.
According to KEF, more speakers will become compatible in the coming months. Updates will be announced through the KEF Connect app.
Flexible placement
Because the rear speakers are connected wirelessly, they can be placed where they work best acoustically, for example on stands beside or slightly behind the sofa, or on the wall with a bracket. Each rear speaker needs a power outlet and its own KW2 RX receiver. Listeners who already own an LSX II or Coda W can reuse those speakers, which makes the step to a full surround setup with the soundbar relatively affordable.
A growing soundbar system
KEF launched the XIO as its first soundbar, with Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and Uni-Q drivers. The KW2 receiver could already connect the soundbar wirelessly to a subwoofer such as the KC62, and with this update the system now also expands to the rear. You can read more about the soundbar itself in our article on the KEF XIO soundbar.
What it means for owners
For KEF XIO owners, the update is a welcome step. A soundbar remains a compromise compared with a full surround setup, but dedicated rear speakers make effects and ambience in films and series far more convincing than virtual processing alone. Because the compatible speakers are full-fledged hi-fi products, they can also be used for music in another room when they are not needed as rear channels. That makes the KEF XIO more flexible as the heart of a living room system.
Pricing and availability
The firmware update for the KEF XIO is free and available via the KEF Connect app. The KW2 RX receiver costs €179. More information is available on the KEF website.
Key specifications
- Product: KEF XIO Dolby Atmos soundbar
- New feature: wireless rear surround channels
- Connection: built-in wireless transmitter + KW2 RX receiver per rear speaker
- Compatible rears: Coda W, LSX II, LSX II LT
- Setup: KEF Connect app
- KW2 RX price: €179
- Update: free firmware
