Short answer: the Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Max. Both are rated 4.0/5 for sound quality (#3 and #2 of 27 all-in-one soundbars), and the Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Max costs $1,699.95 against $1,999.99 for the KEF XIO, with sound quality a draw, the lower price decides it.
Why pick the KEF XIO: The XIO sounds detailed and refined, with music that plays like a hi-fi system rather than a TV speaker. Watch for: At least one detailed review heard a boxy midrange and some compression when pushed loud.
What the Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Max does well: The Ambeo Max creates a big, enveloping surround bubble from one bar, with deep bass that reaches about 30 Hz without a separate sub. It keeps a wired aux input, which the KEF XIO lacks. The catch: It is very large and heavy, so it needs a sturdy stand or wall and a big TV.
Buy the Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Max. Both are rated the same for sound quality, and it costs $300.04 less than the KEF XIO.
Still deciding? The full TV Soundbars rankings cover every ranked option.
The XIO sounds detailed and refined, with music that plays like a hi-fi system rather than a TV speaker.
The Ambeo Max creates a big, enveloping surround bubble from one bar, with deep bass that reaches about 30 Hz without a separate sub.
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Specifications Side By Side
| KEF XIO | Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Max | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,999.99 | $1,699.95 |
| Ranked | #2 of 27 in All-in-One Soundbars | #3 of 27 in All-in-One Soundbars |
| Amplifier Power | 820W total (12 Class D) | 500W peak |
| App | Yes (KEF Connect) | Yes (Sennheiser Smart Control) |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | - |
| Channels | 5.1.2 | 5.1.4 |
| DTS:X | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions | 2.8”H x 47.6”W x 6.5”D (70 x 1210 x 165 mm) | 5.3”H x 49.6”W x 6.7”D (135 x 1260 x 171 mm) |
| Dolby Atmos | Yes (up-firing drivers) | Yes (up-firing drivers) |
| Drivers | Bar: 12 drivers (6 Uni-Q MX incl. up-firing, 2 full range, 4 P185 force-cancelling bass drivers) | Bar: 13 drivers (6 woofers, 5 tweeters, 2 up-firing full range drivers) |
| HDMI Input | No | 3 |
| HDMI eARC | Yes | Yes |
| Included Subwoofer | Built-in | Built-in |
| Optical Input | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Speakers | No | No |
| Room Correction | Yes (Intelligent Placement Technology) | Yes (calibration microphone) |
| Weight | 23.1 lbs (10.5 kg) | 40.8 lbs (18.5 kg) |
| Wi-Fi | Yes (AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect) | Yes (AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect) |
Watch Them Compared
Videos and reviews that test both speakers side by side.
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