Connections: HDMI out (eARC), HDMI 2.0 in, optical, wi-fi, Bluetooth 5.0, AirPlay 2
ARC/eARC: eARC
Bluetooth: Yes
Dimensions (hwd): 8.5 x 118 x 14.3cm (soundbar)
Weight: 11kg (soundbar)
Yamaha's complete system includes a soundbar, wireless subwoofer, and two wireless surround speakers. The soundbar and sub deliver powerful, detailed sound with superb bass performance, but the surrounds hold the package back with a beamy delivery and tonal mismatch that creates gaps in the soundstage.
Pros
- Rich and powerful sound from the soundbar
- Well-controlled and dynamic subwoofer
- Music sounds detailed, well-timed and engaging
Cons
- Surround speakers are at odds with the rest of the system
- Large and heavy build won’t suit all set-ups
- Complex set-up menus and no auto-calibration
Connections: HDMI 2.1 eARC, Optical, USB
ARC/eARC: eARC
Bluetooth: Yes
Dimensions (hwd): 7 x 121 x 17cm
Weight: 10.5kg
KEF's first foray into soundbars delivers an impressively wide and immersive soundstage from a single unit. The XIO – a What Hi-Fi? 2025 Award winner – balances expressiveness with precision, creating a transparent and organised sound that works brilliantly for both films and music. Against the Yamaha's complete system approach, the KEF proves that a well-executed standalone soundbar can deliver more satisfying results than a package with weak links.
Pros
- Detailed, precise and exciting overall sound
- Tight and agile bass
- Excellent with movies and music
Cons
- No display
- No HDMI passthrough
