Short answer: the KEF XIO. Both are rated 4.0/5 for sound quality (#2 and #4 of 27 all-in-one soundbars), and the KEF XIO costs $2,399.99 against $3,600 for the Focal Mu-so Hekla, with sound quality a draw, the lower price decides it.
What the Focal Mu-so Hekla does well: A single-box Atmos system for people who want big, detailed sound without a separate subwoofer or rear speakers. The catch: It is a deep, heavy slab that cannot sit under many TVs and will not support a TV on top.
The case for the KEF XIO: The XIO sounds detailed and refined, with music that plays like a hi-fi system rather than a TV speaker. The catch: At least one detailed review heard a boxy midrange and some compression when pushed loud.
Buy the KEF XIO. Both are rated the same for sound quality, and it costs $1,200.01 less than the Focal Mu-so Hekla.
Want more options? Browse the full TV Soundbars rankings.
A single-box Atmos system for people who want big, detailed sound without a separate subwoofer or rear speakers.
The XIO sounds detailed and refined, with music that plays like a hi-fi system rather than a TV speaker.
Prices on this page were last checked October 28, 2026 at 1:06 AM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Focal Mu-so Hekla | KEF XIO | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3,600.00 | $2,399.99 |
| Ranked | #4 of 27 in All-in-One Soundbars | #2 of 27 in All-in-One Soundbars |
| Amplifier Power | 660W total | 820W total (12 Class D) |
| App | Yes (Focal & Naim) | Yes (KEF Connect) |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 5.3 |
| Channels | 7.1.2 capable | 5.1.2 |
| DTS:X | No | Yes |
| Dimensions | 4.6”H x 39.4”W x 11.6”D (118 x 1000 x 295 mm) | 2.8”H x 47.6”W x 6.5”D (70 x 1210 x 165 mm) |
| Dolby Atmos | Yes (up-firing drivers) | Yes (up-firing drivers) |
| Drivers | Bar: 15 drivers (3 woofers, 2 midrange, 2 tweeters, 8 full-range side and top) | Bar: 12 drivers (6 Uni-Q MX incl. up-firing, 2 full range, 4 P185 force-cancelling bass drivers) |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| HDMI eARC | Yes | Yes |
| Included Subwoofer | Built-in | Built-in |
| Optical Input | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Speakers | No | No |
| Room Correction | Yes (ADAPT) | Yes (Intelligent Placement Technology) |
| Voice Assistants | No | - |
| Weight | 34.2 lbs (15.5 kg) | 23.1 lbs (10.5 kg) |
| Wi-Fi | Yes (AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, UPnP) | Yes (AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect) |
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