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What Hi-Fi?
What Hi-Fi?
Technology
Robyn Quick

KEF XIO vs Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Max: which premium soundbar should you buy?

Sennheiser KEF Sony Amazon Music Apple
KEF XIO soundbar.
KEF XIO

Inputs HDMI 2.1 eARC, Optical, USB
Format support Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, MPEG-H, Sony 360 Reality Audio
Bluetooth Yes, 5.3
Streaming Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Amazon Music, Qobuz, Deezer
Dimensions (hwd) 7 x 121 x 17cm
Weight 10.5kg

The XIO soundbar boasts a 5.1.2 channel configuration as well as plenty of KEF smarts under the hood to be excited about. So, how does it sound compare with the beefy Sennheiser?
Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Max

Inputs HDMI 2.0 x3, HDMI eARC x1, Optical, RCA line In
Format support Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, LPCM, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby True HD, DTS 96/24, DSD, MPEG-H, Sony 360 Audio
Bluetooth Yes, 4.2
Streaming Apple Airplay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect
Dimensions (hwd) 14 x 127 x 17cm
Weight 18.5kg

This What Hi-Fi? Award winning Sennheiser model is quite a beast, weighing more than your average model. But that can be overlooked for its excellent bass performance and great connectivity options. Can the long-time favourite be knocked off the top spot?

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