Sony BRAVIA Theater Quad
Score: 85/100
KEF XIO
Score: 85/100Rankings
The Sony BRAVIA Theater Quad offers a premium wireless 4.0.4-channel system with advanced spatial audio and HDMI 2.1 gaming features, but it omits a subwoofer and relies heavily on app-based control.
The KEF XIO 5.1.2 soundbar delivers powerful, immersive Atmos sound with deep bass and high-resolution streaming, though it depends on a separate wireless subwoofer for extra low-end impact and requires app-based configuration.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
504 W | 820 Wbest | |
— | 34 Hzbest | |
— | 20,000 Hzbest | |
1best | 1best | |
1best | 1best | |
5.2 | 5.3best | |
| ↓ lower better | 0.454 kgbest | 10.5 kg |
12 months | 24 monthsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Connectivity(1) | ||
Bluetooth Version | 5.2 | 5.3 |
Build & Design(1) | ||
Overall Weight (kg) | 0.454 kg | 10.5 kg |
Warranty & Support(1) | ||
Warranty Period (months) | 12 months | 24 months |
Power & Energy(1) | ||
Standby Power Consumption (W) | 0.5 W | 2.0 W |
Audio(3) | ||
Channel Configuration | 4.0.4 | 5.1.2 |
Supported Audio Formats | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, IMAX Enhanced, Sony 360 Reality Audio | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, MPEG-H, Sony 360 Reality Audio, FLAC, WAV, AIFF, ALAC, AAC, WMA, MP3, M4A, LPCM, Ogg Vorbis |
Total Power Output (W) | 504 W | 820 W |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Reviewers commend the Quad for its detailed, balanced audio and impressive spatial imaging, highlighting the 360 Spatial Sound Mapping and HDMI 2.1 support, while criticizing the lack of a subwoofer, limited EQ options and reliance on the app.
Users love the immersive, cinematic sound and easy wireless setup, especially the automatic room calibration, but many note the missing subwoofer, the need for the app, and the bulkiness of the speakers.
Professional reviewers from What Hi-Fi? and Crutchfield laud the XIO for its powerful, clean bass, precise imaging and ability to handle both movies and high-resolution music with equal finesse, calling it one of the best premium soundbars available.
Everyday users consistently praise the XIO's immersive Atmos experience, deep bass that often eliminates the need for a separate subwoofer, and the convenience of the KEF Connect app, while noting the lack of rear speakers and the requirement to buy a separate wireless subwoofer for extra low-end punch.
“the best sound system I ever owned”
“Crisp dialogue and immersive Atmos effects - feels like a real theater.”
“Bass is shockingly deep for a soundbar - no subwoofer needed in my 20 ft × 15 ft room.”
