KEF enables wireless rear surround sound pairing for its flagship XIO soundbar

KEF is rolling out an over-the-air firmware update that lets owners of its £1999 XIO soundbar add standalone wireless speakers as dedicated rear surround channels. To enable the feature, users must add the KW2 RX receiver, which costs £149 and links the primary speaker wirelessly to the soundbar. Initial compatible options include the LSX II, LSX II LT, and Coda W wireless speakers. [1][2]

Users manage the setup through the KEF Connect app. However, Trusted Reviews points out that none of the currently supported rear speakers feature upfiring drivers or support Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, meaning they cannot deliver height effects from behind the listener. Existing compatibility with KEF's KC62, KC92, and KUBE subwoofers remains unchanged. [1][2]

KEF plans to expand rear-channel support to the LS50 Wireless II in December, followed by the LS60 Wireless and the LS LUXE in 2027. What Hi-Fi? notes that the brand previously promised bespoke wireless satellite speakers for the soundbar at launch, though KEF has not yet confirmed whether those dedicated units are still on the way. [1][2]